RSL's high potential despite loss in playoffs

Soccer life comes to an end in Salt Lake as the post keeps several chances out for RSL to book a spot in Carson, CA for the MLS Cup. Instead, the New York Red Bulls cling to their lead from one mistake by RSL in the back. Although the result of the game was heart-wrenching, the potential of our fan-base is great. From the south-end jumping and banging away their passion to the rest of the fans taking this loss standing and chanting to their extent, I am proud of what heart our team had on the field and the support we gave them for that performance.

Enough about the fans, now lets dig to what the players have shown us this season. I think Beckerman has proven over and over again that Kreis's trade was the best move in RSL's history. Beckerman's heart on the field was displayed in this final game as his relentless attitude kept New York from possessing the ball in the midfield. I disagree with the many who have complained about his lack of attack during the season. He clogged up other teams midfield while always quickly distributing the ball to Morales and others for attacks. Beckerman deserves to keep the captain's band.

As I review my preseason predictions (http://fans-scorecard.tapocol.com/2008/03/real-salt-lake-preview), I would just like to say I was a little down on my prediction that Movsisyan would turn into a star-quality striker for us early this year. However, his potential shined through late this year as he continually became a nuisance for opposing teams' backlines and put himself in great positions to finish his chances. I am very excited to see a healthy Fabian Espindola and Movsisyan link up top as I could see those two becoming the most dangerous front-line in MLS.

Continuing my preseason preview, Morales still surprised me this year as he probably should have been awarded around 5 more assists during our confidence-lacking strikers period in mid-season. His technique and class showed throughout the season as he ended with 15 assists and 6 goals.

Here our my wishes for our off-season. I am pretty sure that one of our players will be taken in the 2008 MLS Expansion Draft. I see Sturgis and Rimando being the likely candidates for this if left unprotected. So, we will need more depth in the opened up spot in the draft. Next, I do not think signing a DP will be that necessary for our team. If Garth and Kreis can find a hard-working humble DP that won't try to come in and be a glory-hog, then it could work out. But, I think just keeping our depth strong will keep our XI feeling the pressure of fighting for their starting spot. In the end, this team will become even greater if we stick to our team mentality and let the chemistry grow with these guys.

I will leave you with some of the events of the off-season:
Nov 26th - MLS Expansion Draft
Nov 27th - Gravy Cup
Apprx. Jan 15 - Apr 15 - MLS Transfer Window
Mid January - 2009 MLS SuperDraft (RSL only has one pick during the MLS SuperDraft (11th pick), the rest have been traded (http://usasoccer.blogspot.com/2007/11/2009-mls-superdraft-preview.html))
Late March/Early April - Start of a new season. Also, start of a new tradition? ReAle Salt Lake Brew.

Also, feel free to leave any comments about the season, your hopes for next, and anything about the rating system at this site. RSL and RSL fans, thanks for a great year.