Unbreakable RSL on preseason roll

SANDY, Utah -- As Real Salt Lake winds down the second leg of their preseason training this weekend, the results produced so far have been promising for the team in many facets.

While spending the last half of February in Tampa, Fla., the Utah side has added to its growing streak of preseason clean sheets. RSL downed a pair of NCAA teams -- taking down South Florida 2-0 last weekend and following up with a 4-0 rout of Tampa on Tuesday.

The Claret-and-Cobalt have accumulated three victories and one draw in four preseason matches thus far. More importantly, RSL has not yielded a single goal in 360 minutes of soccer.

"Really we're way ahead of where we were last year," midfielder Kyle Beckerman said. "We have that main core coming back this year. We don't need to get to know each other. We already know each other."

RSL has been enjoying success in the preseason even while dealing with a host of injuries. Robbie Russell, Nat Borchers and Robbie Findley have all been sidelined at one point or another with various ailments over the past couple of months.

Russell, who missed the first leg to California entirely, sees his first full preseason as a chance to solidify a more concrete role on the team.

Late last season, it was common to see Russell utilized as a utility player of sorts. RSL coach Jason Kreis would plug him in at different spots in the backline or the midfield, depending on what injuries or tactical situations dictated.

"I would like to have a steady spot on the team," Russell said. "Where that is really depends on where the team needs it. But I would like the coaches to keep me in mind for a steady spot."

Preseason, too, has become valuable audition time for players like Chris Seitz who are looking to carve out a bigger role.

Despite his stints with the U.S. national team in 2008, Seitz's time with RSL last season was strictly limited to reserve games and exhibition games with foreign clubs. Since MLS decided to eliminate the reserve division during the offseason, Seitz knows he must make the most of his chances in the preseason if he hopes to see a significant increase in playing time or even an occasional start.

Seitz and '08 starter Nick Rimando have split time in the net throughout the preseason and racking up all those clean sheets is doing a lot to help his case when the season finally rolls around.

"It sets the tone for the whole season," Seitz said. "You come in sharp, you come in shape and you play well in the preseason, I think it carries on to the regular season."

Auditions for spots in the first 11 or a desire for increased playing time are not the only thing influencing such crisp preseason outings for RSL. The Utah side is also benefitting from retaining so many important contributors from a year ago.

There is no need for a wholesale crash course to familiarize them with Kreis' system or his expectations because the players both know what to expect and what is expected of them.

It has made it easier to mix in newcomers to the club.

"Coming in with so many players returning, we're able to jump back in two or three steps ahead of where we started and really just reinforce ideas and move forward," assistant coach Robin Fraser said. "It's definitely been a big help. The players already know what is expected of them and that initial groundwork has been laid for so many."

RSL will close out its second preseason trip with an exhibition match against Swedish club BK Hacken on Friday evening.

The club will return briefly to Utah before heading to South Carolina to take part in the annual Carolina Challenge Cup from March 7-14. RSL will face D.C. United, Toronto FC and the USL First Division's Charleston Battery in the weeklong tournament.