Kyle Beckerman Returns To Real Salt Lake For One Special Evening Against Timbers

SALT LAKE CITY – Real Salt Lake legend Kyle Beckerman is returning to his home for the first time in nearly a year. Kyle Beckerman Night, as the club is calling it, will take place this evening in an effort to celebrate and recognize the remarkable playing accomplishments and continued dedication to the game of football from Beckerman.

Kyle Beckerman.

Beckerman, 39, retired in December of 2020 following a professional playing career that spanned 20 years, 14 of which were played at Real Salt Lake. Since retirement, Beckerman has been in charge of the Utah Valley Universities men’s soccer team and has not been present at Rio Tinto Stadium.

His appearance on Wednesday, November 3rd, will mark the return of Beckerman to Rio Tinto Stadium since November of 2020.

TODAY. pic.twitter.com/UUM9LEl9Jc

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) November 3, 2021

Beckerman’s longevity is unparalleled. Major League Soccer’s debut season was in 1996. Beckerman was introduced to the league in 2000 when he was drafted by the Miami Fusion.

The impact Beckerman had on the league is almost impossible to put into words. He was a major figure and contributor and has played a monumental role in getting the league to where it is at today.

When out-of-staters think of Real Salt Lake the first person that often comes to mind is Beckerman. His dreadlocks were made famous following his showing at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil when he started all three group stage games at the holding midfield position.

A Forever Friendship

The current interim manager of Real Salt Lake, Pablo Mastroeni, has known Beckerman for as long as anybody in professional football. Mastroeni was at the Miami Fusion when Beckerman was first drafted to the club, the pair then played alongside one and another at the Colorado Rapids for many years before Beckerman was traded to Real Salt Lake.

Beckerman and Mastroeni still consider themselves to be very close friends.

“It is crazy to see time fly right before you, and going from this young player who wanted to be a great soccer player, he ended up achieving that, and now he is coaching, and here we are today talking about coaching and managing players and the tactical part of it and all that. I think it is a friendship for life and one that will continue to grow together,” Mastroeni told KSL Sports.

Kyle Beckerman Night Schedule

Beckerman will be signing autographs and taking photos with fans from the U of U Health Plaza starting at 6:30 p.m. this evening. He will then be escorted to the player’s tunnel where he will make an appearance at midfield prior to the game. Beckerman is also expected to address the crowd.

Tomorrow we are honoring the 🐐

Here's what we've got planned: pic.twitter.com/0oePFbsRKT

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) November 2, 2021

Then, when halftime approaches, a special tribute video will be played on the big board.

Match Info

Real Salt Lake and Portland will kickoff at 8:30 p.m. from Rio Tinto Stadium. Tickets are on sale for as low as $15, but a sellout is expected. The fixture also marks the final regular-season game at Rio Tinto Stadium.

The match will be available to be broadcast via ESPN 2.