SANDY, Utah – Real Salt Lake is a proud club. Its history is young, however, they have experienced success and fans should be thankful for the Claret and Cobalt.

RSL is in an interesting stage of their existence following a turmoil filled season that resulted in a Western Conference Semi-final loss to the eventual MLS Cup Champions despite not having a full-time head coach or general manager.

National soccer experts and critics have recently expressed their disdain towards RSL and how poor management and ownership has handled recent events.

Difficult times for #RSL “off the field” as it’s reputation of being a difficult place to work is making real waves behind the scenes with the soccer people. This was inevitable before the Petke situation as it seemed Waibel and #RSL had met their ends. #MLS https://t.co/QP7fRxy3zi

— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) September 28, 2019

However, despite the in house struggles, RSL has a very talented roster and has proven to be one of the formidable forces in the Western Conference over the past two seasons. Strange, I know, considering everything that occurred behind the curtains.

RSL fans still have plenty to be thankful for.

A Strong Roster

RSL’s roster is impressive. From the goalkeeper to the striker, RSL is filled with talent. Although question marks certainly surround the 2020 roster.

Who will be in between the sticks for RSL in 2020? It seems as though it will likely be Andrew Putna or David Ochoa. However, there is a chance that RSL brings someone in to compete with them following the retirement of fan-favorite Nick Rimando.

It was truly an honor pic.twitter.com/e0tdhrzGvN

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) October 24, 2019

Marcelo Silva and Joao Plata both had their contracts declined heading into 2020. Financially their contracts did not make any sense as they were making $800k each and both came off the bench in 2019. Will they return for 2020? Or will management look elsewhere to fill the remaining seven roster spots?

Sam Johnson was brought in to score goals. Yet, due to injury and roster management, barely saw the pitch in 2019. Johnson is making $700k and is certainly not living up to expectation. You either play him and feed him the ball, or you sit him on the bench and bring him on in the 60th minute to try and bring energy to the pitch. Only one of those two scenarios is worth $700K annually.

Jefferson Savarino and Albert Rusnak have both been linked to top-flight European football clubs. Yet, still remain at RSL. How much longer will they be around? Nobody knows although they are still under contract and still with the club currently. That is all that matters. They are two of the best forwards in MLS, and RSL has them playing for them. Big time.

Damir Kreilach, otherwise known as the ‘swiss army knife’, is a pivotal part of this RSL team. He can play a number of positions, striker, center attacking midfielder, center midfield. You name it, and he will play it. Unselfish, honest, kind and gentle are the best adjectives that I can think of to best describe Damir Kreilach. What a player, what a man.

Another fun season. Thanks for the support! #RSL pic.twitter.com/CTEeRprVsN

— Kyle Beckerman (@KyleBeckerman) October 29, 2019

A Devoted Fanbase

The RSL faithful may not be perfect, nor do they feel fill Rio Tinto Stadium every week but those who show up and support the Claret and Cobalt certainly let the opposing teams know that they are there.

The RSL fan base plays a pivotal role in creating a difficult place for opposing teams to play. Rio Tinto Stadium is one of the toughest venues in Major League Soccer to pick up points, and the fans have a large say as to why.

Whether they are chanting Rimando’s name or screaming at the top of their lungs after Jefferson Savarino scored a game-winner, the faithful are loud and proud.

#believe2019 the year of defining the word "believe". Sometimes we have to reorganize and rethink. We think this is a match that will be forever remembered @NickRimando see you on the pitch 🐐 @realsaltlake let's go hard, you'll hear us pic.twitter.com/zk1Bhw5z5s

— Riot Brigade (@rslriotbrigade) October 19, 2019

 

Understaffed Behind The Scenes Team

RSL needs more bodies. No, not on the pitch, but behind the scenes. The front office, personal relations, media, graphic design etc. departments are understaffed. There is no question about it.

Yet, despite being low on bodies, the people behind the scenes give everything they have to the club. They work long hours in the hopes that the fans will appreciate their work. I tip my cap to you guys, for allowing the fans and the media to follow and cover your team.

Without these men and women, you would not have the access we fortunately do. Thank you for putting your life on hold while you give everything you have for RSL.

pic.twitter.com/r4i7hj9V6F

— Tyler Gibbons (@tylerpgibbons) November 18, 2019