All the training Kyle Reynish has put in since coming to Real Salt Lake has been geared toward preparing himself for when it came time for the team to call upon his services.
Now that RSL is dealing with a sudden spate of injuries that is testing its depth at goalkeeper, Reynish might finally earn the chance to show what he can do in the net when the team hits the road to face D.C. United this weekend.
"This is what I've been doing for my whole life," Reynish said. "For me, I'm more excited than nervous about it. It's been a long couple of years of work. I'm just excited to get out there and play with the first team."
Reynish began the season as the third 'keeper for RSL -- behind veteran starter Nick Rimando and youth national team mainstay Chris Seitz. He has quickly moved up the ladder, though, once injuries sidelined Rimando and Seitz.
Rimando has not played since suffering a deep finger laceration in a 2-0 loss to Colorado that required four stitches. Now Seitz will be out of action at least 4-6 weeks after suffering a grade 2 shoulder separation in last weekend's 2-0 loss to Kansas City.
He injured the shoulder after colliding accidentally with teammate Jamison Olave while trying to prevent the Wizards' second goal in the 67th minute. Seitz finished out the match, but could not even raise his right arm the rest of the way.
Rimando had his stitches removed earlier this week and is far enough along in his recovery that he will likely travel with the team to D.C. and could be part of the 18-man roster when Saturday arrives.
For now, Reynish is still slated to start. RSL coach Jason Kreis is confident the team will not miss a beat with the ex-UC Santa Barbara star in the starting 11.
"We believe in Kyle," Kreis said. "We really do. As I've said many, many times, I think we have the best goalkeeping set in the league and now we're getting tested on it."
Although this would be Reynish's first MLS start, he showed plenty of promise with the reserve team last season. Reynish helped the Real reserve team claim six victories in eight starts in 2008. He allowed just four goals in the 378 minutes of action he saw in those matches.
His fellow 'keepers are among the firmest believers in Reynish.
"He's been playing against our guys for three years now," Rimando said. "To step into a game is only a great reward for him, for his hard work and for what he's been putting out here the last three years. I have no doubt in my mind if he gets in there, he'll do a good job."
Reynish has shown a history of making the most of whatever chance he is given.
During his five years with the Gauchos, Reynish did not become a full-time starter until his junior season. Once he claimed the starting role, Reynish recorded 21 shutouts and 33 victories as a junior and senior and led UCSB to its first ever NCAA men's soccer championship in 2006.
With RSL looking to snap a four-match winless skid, Reynish has an opportunity to earn himself a much bigger role down the road. But his biggest concern, for now, is making sure he helps the team regain some positive momentum.
"When you get out there with the first team, it's an exciting opportunity to show your stuff," Reynish said. "But it's still all about the team and trying to get a result with the team. I just hope we can do something on the road here against D.C."
If Reynish enjoys a successful debut against United, it could go a long way to relieving some worry RSL fans might be feeling with the injury bug that has been attacking the RSL goalkeepers. The coaches and players are opting for the glass-half-full approach.
They understand things are bad in the injury department, but also realize it could be much worse.
"This is nothing," Rimando said. "It could have been a lot worse with my finger. 2-4 weeks isn't bad. These injuries are stacking up on us and we got to do the right thing and the smart thing to get better and not force things."
John Coon is a contributor to MLSnet.com
