3.28.2007

2007 Preview - Real Salt Lake


2006 record: 10-13-9 - 39 points (6th in West)
-- Missed playoffs.

Key additions: Freddy Adu (D.C. United), Luis Tejada (Plaza Amador)
Key losses: Scott Garlick (retirement)

Real Salt Lake made the biggest off-season acquisition not involving an Englishman this winter, bringing Freddy Adu in from D.C. United. It gives Freddy a chance to play as an attacking midfielder in the center, a position he has always wanted to play, but wasn't able to in D.C.

In Utah, Adu will be able to link up with another new acquisition, Luis Tejada, who was signed out of Panama. The 25-year-old forward will be partnered up top with Jeff Cunningham, who should’ve been named MVP last year (16 goals, 11 assists). With Adu feeding Cunningham and Tejada all year, RSL looks to have one of the most potent offensive attacks in the league.

Eddie Pope continues to be one of the best center-backs in the league and should help the defense take some of the pressure off of keeper Nick Rimando. The stadium issue is (for now) solved, so the team can focus on playing some quality football. I expect them to be the sleeper pick of the year – Not only will they make the playoffs, they will be the #1 seed in the West. Most of the pieces have fallen into place for this team to make a run and play solid consistently.

TJ's Projected finish: 1st in Western Conference, 3rd overall.

1 comment:

Elder Enger said...

Good Night! First place in the western conference? I hope you're right. I'm an RSL fan and I don't pick them first.