The pundits had been reluctant, but Real Salt Lake’s win over Sporting Kansas City at Children’s Mercy Park on Saturday was just the kind of result the team needed to sound the siren. RSL is not the same team it was in 2015 when it missed the playoffs for the first time since 2007. They believed it in the locker room – despite missing 10 players to injuries and suspensions – and proved it on the field against a previously unscathed opponent.
“This is a huge win for our club and a statement to the league as well,” said RSL veteran defender Tony Beltran, who served as captain in the match.