Real Salt Lake Weekly Update:
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Three Real Salt Lake Midfielders Named to Rosters for 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup
Real Salt Lake midfielders Jean Alexandre (Haiti), Will Johnson (Canada), and Andy Williams (Jamaica) have been named to their respective countries' rosters for the upcoming 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament, taking place at venues across the United States from July 3-26. Johnson and Alexandre will depart Utah early this week to join the Canadian and Haitian camps, respectively, while Williams will join the "Reggae Boyz" on Sunday, making him available for RSL's clash against Toronto FC this Saturday. Additional call-up opportunities for Real Salt Lake players could arise later this week, when United States Head Coach Bob Bradley is expected to name the USA's roster for the bi-annual tournament.
The tournament will get underway on Friday, July 3, with a duel between RSL teammates, as Williams' Jamaican squad will take on Johnson and the "Maple Leafs" at The Home Depot Center in Carson, CA (6:00 p.m. MT). Alexandre and the rest of "les Grenadiers" will start their tournament the following day on July 4, in Seattle, taking on Honduras at Qwest Field (2:00 p.m. MT) in the first game of a doubleheader that will conclude with the USA taking on Grenada (4:00 p.m. MT).
RSL Heads North Tonight for Annual Exhibition at Ogden Outlaws
Prior to its League encounter against Toronto FC this weekend, Real Salt Lake will travel north this evening for its annual exhibition contest in Weber County against the Ogden Outlaws of the Premier Development League. Kickoff for tonight's match at St. Joseph's High School, located at 1790 Lake Street in Ogden, is set for 5:30 p.m. MT. Tickets for the exhibition will be available at the gate, costing $8 for adults and $5 for children ages 17-and-under. With bleacher seating at the venue traditionally filling up well before kickoff, fans are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for the grass seating area available along the sideline. For more information on the match and the Outlaws' current 2009 PDL campaign, please visit www.ogdenoutlaws.com.
Real Salt Lake Returns Home to Welcome Toronto FC on Saturday
After ending a stretch of five out of seven games on the road with last Sunday's 1-1 draw in Houston, Real Salt Lake (4-6-4, 16 pts.) will start a similar stretch of regular season matches at its Rio Tinto Stadium home this Saturday, June 27, when the squad welcomes Toronto FC (5-5-4, 19 pts.) for the Canadian club's lone visit to Utah this season. Kickoff for the match in Sandy, presented by Rio Tinto, is set for 7:30 p.m. MT, with broadcast coverage on KUTV 2.2. Digital / Comcast 111 beginning with the America First Credit Union Pre-match Report at 7:00 p.m. MT. Fans can also follow the action live via RSL's official radio partners: KALL 700 Sports (America First Credit Union Pre-Match Report begins at 6:30 p.m.) and "Ke Buena" 1600-AM.
Real Salt Lake will look to even up the all-time series against Toronto FC on Saturday evening, which RSL trails by a 1-2-1 margin heading into the weekend. RSL and the "Reds" split last year's series by winning at home, Toronto posting a 1-0 win at BMO Field early in the season on April 19, before Real Salt Lake got revenge with a 2-1 result at Rice-Eccles Stadium on July 28. The only other affair in Utah between the two sides marked their first-ever meeting on July 4, 2007, when the Canadians stole the full three points via a 1-0 win over RSL at Rice-Eccles. Real Salt Lake and Toronto will close out their season series with the return match on the shores of Lake Ontario on Oct. 17.
Real Salt Lake Offers the Hottest Tickets in Town this Summer!
The 2009 Real Salt Lake season is in full swing, and Utah's MLS side is offering fans a number of ticket packages and options across the summer to make sure Rio Tinto Stadium is packed full of the League's greatest fans:
• The new three-game "RSL Summer Pack" has been introduced, including the two upcoming games featuring post-game fireworks extravaganzas - July 3 v. San Jose, presented by Les Olson Company, and July 24 v. FC Dallas, presented by Regence BCBS - in addition to the lone Utah visit by the Houston Dynamo on August 15. The "Fireworks Frenzy 3-Pack" starts at just $39 for North Goal section seats and is also available for $54 for Lower Sideline tickets.
• The "Western Union Comboleto" package has also been tweaked, with the now four-game package starting off with the recently-announced XanGo Cup 2009 contest on July 11 against legendary Mexican side Club America. The "Western Union Comboleto" deal also still includes the 2009 MLS All-Star Game and matches against current conference leaders Chivas USA (August 26) and Chicago Fire (Sept. 12), with packages available for $69 (North Goal) and $109 (Lower Sideline).
• The updated 2009 Flex Pack includes eight ticket vouchers that can be redeemed for any RSL regular season contest at Rio Tinto Stadium, with a pair of seating options available - $128 for North Goal seats and $200 for Lower Sideline tickets.
• Prorated 2009 Season Ticket packages are also still available, with prices leading up to Real Salt Lake's contest on June 27 v. Toronto FC starting at just $215 (North Goal). The full season package still includes RSL's nine remaining regular season contests and its July 11 exhibition contest against Club America, the 2009 MLS All-Star Game on July 29, and all the benefits of being an RSL season ticket holder, including an invite to this summer's annual "Meet the Team Day."
• The "RSL Family Pack" is also available for the remainder of RSL's 2009 regular season, with the package including four North Goal section seats, four hot dogs and four sodas for just $88.
To order any of these outstanding ticket offers, or to find out more information on a specific package, please call 800-838-3380, go online to www.RioTintoStadium.com, or visit the Rio Tinto Stadium Box Office in person during regular business hours, Monday-Friday from 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Please note that a $5 service fee will be added to the "Fireworks Frenzy" and "Western Union Comboleto" package offers.
2009 MLS All-Star Game Voting Ends in Two Weeks
Real Salt Lake fans, do your part to make sure your hometown stars are represented in the 2009 MLS All-Star Game at Rio Tinto Stadium by heading to www.MLSnet.com to select the 11 players you would like to see take on English Premier League club Everton FC in Sandy on Wednesday, July 29 (7:30 p.m. MT, live on ESPN2 & Galavision). A dozen players for each of Major League Soccer's 15 clubs are on the ballot this year, including Real Salt Lake's leading scorer Robbie Findley, veteran midfielder Clint Mathis, imposing Colombian defender Jamison Olave, captain Kyle Beckerman, and playmaker Javier Morales.
Fans can vote for the All-Star First XI online by selecting one goalkeeper, three defenders, five midfielders, and two forwards. Fans can vote up to 10 times per day. The online fan balloting program, which concludes on Monday, July 6, will comprise 25 percent of the total vote for the All-Star First XI, with coaches and general managers, players, and media each holding 25 percent of the vote.
Tickets to the 2009 MLS All-Star Game remain on sale to the public, with prices starting at $35 (North Goal, South Goal and Upper Deck), and continuing at $45 (Corner Flag), $60 (Lower Sidelines), $105 (Front Row and Midfield) and $200 (Club Seats). All Real Salt Lake season ticket holders are assured of their current seats for the 2009 MLS All-Star Game. To purchase tickets for this summer's biggest sporting event, please visit www.RioTintoStadium.com , call 800-838-3380, or visit the Rio Tinto Stadium Box Office, open Monday-Friday from 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
RSL on the Air: Lagerwey Filling in on Rocky Mountain Chevy Dealers RSL Coach's Corner this Wednesday
With Real Salt Lake's exhibition match in Ogden taking place tonight, the Rocky Mountain Chevy Dealers RSL Coach's Corner on KALL 700 Sports will call an audible this week, with RSL General Manager Garth Lagerwey joining hosts Bill Riley & Spencer Checketts tomorrow, Wednesday, June 24, at Young Chevrolet, in Layton (645 N. Main Street) from 6:00-7:00 p.m. MT. As always, fans are encouraged to take advantage of the weekly opportunity to catch the Coach's Corner show to get all of the RSL insight in person, but supporters that can't make it down to American Fork are welcome to chime in by calling 877-353-0700 or by texting 29909.
Upcoming Rocky Mountain Chevy Dealers RSL Coach's Corner Locations:
Wednesday, June 24: Young Chevrolet - 645 N. Main Street in Layton
Tuesday, June 30: Hansen Motor Company - 1175 S. Commerce Way in Brigham City
Tuesday, July 7: Barber Brothers Motor Company - 1341 N. Main Street in Spanish Fork
Tuesday, July 14: Axtell-Taylor GM - 1955 N. Main Street in Layton
In addition to the weekly hour with "Coach K," Real Salt Lake personalities will be taking to the radio airwaves every week during the 2009 season, as the team's radio home, KALL 700 Sports, and 1280 The Zone will welcome RSL players and coaches to their studios to give fans the scoop on the Claret-and-Cobalt every weekday. Fans can also get interactive with KALL 700 Sports' gameday coverage of Real Salt Lake at Rio Tinto Stadium by posing their questions to hosts Spencer Checketts and Trey Fitz-Gerald in person during both the America First Credit Union Pre-Match Report in Carnival Real, starting one hour prior to kickoff, and at the Rocky Mountain Chevy Dealers Post-Game Show at Budweiser's Club Real on the 2nd level of the stadium, lasting until an hour after the final whistle.
Mondays: "Wingin' It" with Chris Wingert - KALL 700 Sports' Bill & Spence Show at 4:40 p.m. MT
Tuesdays: Rocky Mountain Chevy Dealers RSL Coach's Corner with Jason Kreis - KALL 700 Sports from 6:00-7:00 p.m. MT
Wednesdays: GM Garth Lagerwey - KALL 700 Sports' Bill & Spence Show at 4:20 p.m. MT
Thursdays: RSL First Kick with Spencer Checketts, Trey Fitz-Gerald and Brian Dunseth - KALL 700 Sports from 7:00-8:00 p.m. MT
Fridays: GM Garth Lagerwey - 1280 The Zone on "Monson and Graham" at 2:30 p.m. MT
RSL Team Store Slashing Prices on Long Sleeve Jerseys for "Item of the Week" Special
The Real Salt Lake Team Store at Rio Tinto Stadium is going all "Andy Williams-style" on the masses for its "Item of the Week" special through matchday this Saturday, offering the official adidas RSL long-sleeve jersey, normally selling at $100, for just $70 - and only $60 for RSL Season Ticket Holders! In addition, the RSL Team Store is discounting the new RSL Coffee Mug during "Real Hours" from 4:00-6:00 p.m. this Friday, when the perfect cup for your hot and cold beverages will be flying off the shelves for just $15. Speaking of gameday and things being under $20, don't forget to stop by the "U-$20 Booth" on the stadium's east concourse (across from Section 37) during Saturday night's game against Toronto, where all items begin at under $20 and will be slashed 10% for every goal RSL puts on the board.
To get a closer look at this week's special items, make sure to check RSL's Behind the Shield blog, located at www.RSLtotheCore.com , and keep following up throughout the week to see when new merchandise will be hitting the shelves. To take advantage of the store's weekly deals and to see the full range of officially licensed RSL gear, drop by the RSL Team Store during regular business hours: Monday-Saturday from 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. MT. For more information on the Real Salt Lake Team Store - including $10 shipping, phone orders, autographed and personalized merchandise, and how you can get 25% off your purchases - call the RSL Merchandise Hotline at 801-727-2888.
Registration Still Available for Upcoming RSL Youth Soccer Camps
The 2009 Real Salt Lake Youth Soccer Camps - focusing on developing skills for children ages 4-18 playing at all levels of the sport - will take a week off leading up to the July 4th holiday next week, but will continue from July 6-10 with its camp at the West Jordan Soccer Complex. Registration is still open for the remaining six RSL Youth Soccer Camps slated to take place across the northern half of the Beehive State between now and August:
July 6-10 West Jordan West Jordan Soccer Complex, Fields B & C (4000 W. 7800 South)
July 13-17 SLC-East Churchill Junior High (3450 E. Oakview Drive)
* Registration for 9:00a-12:00p Skills Camp (ages 9-18) is closed at this location
July 20-24 Tooele Deseret Peak Soccer Fields (2930 W. Highway 112)
July 27-31 Sandy Lone Peak Park (10140 S. 700 East)
Aug. 3-7 Logan/Hyde Park Cedar Ridge Middle School (65 N. 200 West in Hyde Park)
Aug. 10-14 Provo Sertoma Park (400 E. 2400 North)
For more information on the RSL Youth Soccer Camps, including registration instructions, head to the "Youth Soccer" menu at www.RealSaltLake.com or contact RSL Director of Youth Camps Rob Karas at 801-819-9061 or rkaras@RealSaltLake.com.
Real Salt Lake Summer Soccer Series Clinics Back for Second Year
As part of Real Salt Lake's continuing outreach to Utah's youth soccer community, the Major League Soccer club is proud to present the second annual Real Salt Lake Summer Soccer Series. This year's series of ten free soccer clinics - five of which will be conducted bilingually (English/Spanish) - will be held on Wednesdays from 6:00-8:00 p.m. MT, beginning with tomorrow night's session at Mt. Ogden Park in Ogden, when FW Tino Nuñez and DF Jamison Olave will be among the clinic staffers. The clinics, conducted by the RSL Youth Soccer staff, players, and coaches, are geared towards children ages 5-17. Pre-registration is encouraged, but on-site sign up is also available. All participants will receive a free RSL Summer Soccer Series t-shirt.
Registration for the Real Salt Lake Summer Soccer Series is open to the public, but a limited number of spots are available. For more information, including how to register, please visit the "Community" section of www.RealSaltLake.com, or contact Rachel King at rking@realsaltlake.com / 801-727-2792 or J.C. Perea (bilingual) at jperea@realsaltlake.com / 801-727-2727.
2009 Real Salt Lake Summer Soccer Series Schedule
Bilingual sites (English/Spanish) presented by America First Credit Union, Burger King, Pepsi, Rio Tinto, Salt Lake Regional Medical Center, Siegfried and Jensen, Utah Department of Public Safety, Western Union and Zions Bank:
• June 24: Mt. Ogden Park - 3084 South Taylor Avenue in Ogden
• July 8: Centennial Park - 5415 West 3100 South in West Valley City
• July 22: West Jordan Soccer Complex - 4000 West 7800 South in West Jordan
• Aug. 19: Trailside Park - 5715 Trailside Drive in Park City
• Sept. 9: Rose Park Elementary School - 1105 West 1000 North in Salt Lake City
English-only sitespresented by America First Credit Union, Burger King, Pepsi, Rio Tinto, and Salt Lake Regional Medical Center:
• July 1: Trailside Park - 5715 Trailside Drive in Park City
• July 15: Libbie Edward Elementary School - 1655 East 3300 South in Salt Lake City
• Aug. 5: Mt. Ogden Park - 3084 South Taylor Avenue in Ogden
• Aug. 12: Sertoma Park - 400 East 2320 North in Provo
• Sept. 2: Mt. Jordan High School - 9360 South 300 East in Sandy
Burger King Restaurant in West Valley to Host RSL Autograph Appearance Wednesday
Burger King Restaurants across the Salt Lake area will host Real Salt Lake players and the team's popular mascot, Leo the Lion, for autograph sessions throughout the summer, continuing tomorrow evening with GK Chris Seitz's appearance in West Valley City. Each of the appearances will take place from 6:00-7:00 p.m. MT at the following locations:
• GK Chris Seitz - Wednesday, June 24 - 3470 S. Redwood Road in West Valley City, UT
• Leo the Lion - Wednesday, July 22 - 3500 S. 5610 West in West Valley City, UT
• Leo the Lion - Wednesday, Aug. 12 - 2104 S. Redwood Road in Salt Lake City, UT
• RSL Player (TBD) - Wednesday, Aug. 19 - 147 E. Bangerter Highway in Draper, UT
• RSL Player (TBD) - Thursday, Aug. 20 - 3975 W. 4700 South in Salt Lake City, UT
• Leo the Lion - Wednesday, Sept. 2 - 7810 S. 1300 East in Sandy, UT
• Leo the Lion - Thursday, Sept. 10 - 803 N. Main Street in Layton, UT
XanGo Cup 2009 Latest Addition to Rio Tinto Stadium's Summer Schedule
The slate of events at Rio Tinto Stadium has grown thanks to the addition of XanGo Cup 2009 on Saturday, July 11, featuring Real Salt Lake taking on legendary Mexican League side Club América, with kickoff set for 6:00 p.m. MT. Ticket prices for the XanGo Cup 2009 clash begin at $18 (with the purchase of the 4-game "Western Union Comboleto" package), while stand-alone prices range from $20-$60.
Tickets for other future Rio Tinto Stadium events, including the rescheduled Rio Tinto Stadium Monster Truck Spectacular ($10-$30), all Real Salt Lake contests ($18-$60), the 2009 MLS All-Star Game on July 29 ($35-$200), and Kenny Chesney's "Sun City Carnival" tour stop on July 23 ($29-$125), are now on sale and can be purchased via one of three ways: online at www.RioTintoStadium.com, over the phone at (888) 477-5849, or in person at the Stadium's east-side ticket windows every Monday-Friday from 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
• Saturday, July 11: XanGo Cup 2009 - Real Salt Lake v. Club America (MEX) - 6:00 p.m. MT
• Thursday, July 23: Kenny Chesney's "Sun City Carnival" tour - 5:30 p.m. MT
• Wednesday, July 29: 2009 MLS All-Star Game: MLS v. Everton FC - 7:30 p.m. MT
• Saturday, August 22: Rio Tinto Stadium Monster Truck Show, featuring GRAVE DIGGER - TWO SHOWS: 2:00 p.m. (day) and 7:00 p.m. (night)
• Saturday, Sept. 5: U.S. Men's National Team v. El Salvador in World Cup Qualifying - 5:30 p.m. MT
For more information on these matches and concerts - and to keep an eye out for future events taking place at Utah's new world-class entertainment venue - please visit www.RioTintoStadium.com.
