Real Salt Lake will need to win big against Chivas USA Saturday to remain in the top three of the Western Conference. This is the first of four games that will determine whether RSL qualifies for the playoffs.
RSL is currently in third place, and only one point ahead of the fourth-place Seattle Sounders. The next four games are crucial and will decide whether RSL advances to the playoffs. It all depends on how many goals they get.
'We have to do a better job,' RSL's captain Kyle Beckerman said. 'I really would like for us to score more goals to really put the game out of reach.'
RSL hopes all the hard work and goals ends with a seat in the playoffs.
'The original goal for every team is to get into the playoffs,' RSL defender Chris Wingert said. 'But every year it's becoming tougher and tougher to make it into the playoffs because of the quality of the teams and the fact that the league is growing.'
Last weeks game against Portland was tough, but RSL defeated the newer team 2-1. RSL started out strong with two goals before the second half but Portland scored a header in the second half. In order to remain in a good position in the Wester Conference, RSL will have to score higher against Chivas USA.
Because Chivas USA has lost the last two games against RSL and are currently last place in the Western Conference, it may be possible for RSL to beat them once more.
'We look at record and it is not what they wanted it to have been,' RSL coach Jason Kreis said. 'But it's still a team that has some very dangerous players, and if we don't give them our full attention they'll beat us.'
The game could be a challenge because Chivas' head coach, Robin Fraser, use to be assistant coach for RSL. His personal experience with many of the RSL players could pose a problem.
RSL will take on Chivas USA at Los Angeles' Home Depot Center at 8:30 p.m. The game will be broadcasted live on CW30 and ESPN 700.