A look at the big questions surrounding Real Salt Lake for the 2007 season and looking ahead to the 2008 campaign:
WHAT DOES REAL SALT LAKE NEED TO DO TO REACH THE MLS CUP PLAYOFFS IN '08?
In order for Real Salt Lake to take the next step as a club and qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs for the first time ever in 2008, they must play with the same competitive fervor they exhibited in their strong finish to '07.
In addition to maintaining that rigid style of play, RSL also must add more veteran talent to a very young roster. GM Garth Lagerwey's challenge this offseason is to find the right pieces, either within MLS or abroad, that will not only facilitate the development of players like Robbie Findley and Nathan Sturgis, but also give RSL the weaponry to compete with the league's best clubs.
WHAT WAS THE TEAM'S BEST MOMENT IN '07?
On October 20, Real Salt Lake traveled east to take on their rival Colorado Rapids in the final leg of the Rocky Mountain Cup series. Robbie Findley's goal in the 87th minute not only earned RSL the 1-0 win and possession of the Cup for the first time, but also knocked Colorado out of playoff contention.
The win against the Rapids capped a solid season-ending stretch of play that RSL used to give the organization momentum heading into offseason and beyond.
WHO MADE THE MOST IMPROVEMENT OVER THE COURSE OF THE SEASON?
After a tough start to the 2007 season, Real goalkeeper Nick Rimando was extremely solid down the stretch and ended the year as one of the hottest 'keepers in the league.
"Nick Rimando came in off a helter-skelter offseason," said head coach Jason Kreis. "He was traded to us from D.C. United, and then was picked up off waivers by New York, only to come back to us later. So I think he came into the season confused as to where he stood and wanted to prove he was still a very capable goalkeeper. He made some mental mistakes early on, but he stuck with it and improved every game, and by the end of the season was arguably one of the best 'keepers in MLS."
WHAT RESERVES ARE MOST READY TO MOVE INTO THE TEAM?
Goalkeeper Chris Seitz is highly regarded within the RSL organization and he will likely be given more of an opportunity to play with the first team in 2008.
Along with Findley and Sturgis, Seitz was invited to take part in the U.S. under-23 national team training camp in preparation for a two-match tour of China, the starting point toward qualification for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
Kreis also identified Nik Besagno and Dustin Kirby as reserve players who will be expected to make big strides and help the big club in 2008.
WHAT AREA OF THE TEAM NEEDS THE MOST IMPROVEMENT?
For all of their late-season improvements in terms of attitude and approach, Real Salt Lake still lacks the top-end playmaking talent it takes to compete with teams like Houston Dynamo and Chivas USA.
If Lagerwey is able to infuse his young roster with veteran offensive talent that can come into the side and contribute at a high level right away, RSL will be in a better position to contend for a playoff berth in 2008.
-- Dante Carnevale
