Rock bottom Salt Lake

fuegote · 07-05-2006, 09:38 AM

I guess you're happy we're losing points in a playoff race and that we are in LAST FREAKING PLACE!

AreliusIV · 07-05-2006, 10:07 AM

Here is a more representative graphic of where RSL languishes...

All is well!

El Chalan · 07-05-2006, 10:17 AM

Ok...I definitely don't want to pitch my tent in the everything is ok camp...because I am definitely frustrated by RSL's place in the standing...but I guess I have a general question. Is it me or isn't RSL getting better? Yes the finishing needs work and yes we can't hold a lead and yes we are not winning games...BUT the defense has been much better than last year. The play out of the back is night and day better than the one pass to other team passing that we once had. We actually have a decent and consistent build up that is creating chances that we aren't finishing but chances none the less. I guess what I am saying is yes being a RSL fan is still frustrating but it is at least frustrating for other reasons right? At least that is how it seems to me...it seems to me they are playing better...that doesn't mean that I think Ellinger should stick around or that changes don't need to be made. I guess what I am saying is I feel like the team has really improved. The results haven't but the team sure has.

prk166 · 07-05-2006, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by El Chalan

Ok...I definitely don't want to pitch my tent in the everything is ok camp...because I am definitely frustrated by RSL's place in the standing...but I guess I have a general question. Is it me or isn't RSL getting better?

Could they really have gotten worse? IIRC they have the 5th highest payroll in the league. Does it really look like a squad that is starting to gel?

soccerman · 07-05-2006, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by El Chalan

Is it me or isn't RSL getting better?

It's you.

fuegote · 07-05-2006, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by El Chalan

Is it me or isn't RSL getting better?

If one point better at the same point last year, with better talent isn't better, I don't know what is.

Especially after our torrid streak while world cup starters were gone. we are in a much better position this year.

[/sarcasm]

the world does need optimists however. I am usually an optimist, until the 30 kicks in the crotch finally took its toll.

(rsl record for last year and a half: 8-30-9)

El Chalan · 07-06-2006, 10:19 AM

I don't think that the results are better and obviously the standings aren't better. But they are playing better than last year. I am not saying the record is acceptable or that this is not a frustrating time...but they are a better team than last year and they play better than last year even if they don't get more points. IMO they actually defend much better and maintain possession better, they create more quality chances than last year/not all of our goals come from set pieces...now they have other troubles finishing and knowing how to win a game when in the lead...but that said I hear what people are saying...the bottom line is that RSL still are in last place and people are sick of it.

montgjules · 07-06-2006, 10:30 AM

I think RSL looks more dangerous this year. Unfortunately, so does Chivas. And also, unfortunately, "looking dangerous" doesn't win games.

edaw33 · 07-06-2006, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by montgjules

I think RSL looks more dangerous this year. Unfortunately, so does Chivas. And also, unfortunately, "looking dangerous" doesn't win games.

thats the problem, the whole league looks better this year. We may have made some strides to imporove but everyone around us took leaps!

I_Believe_In_Kreis · 07-06-2006, 10:58 AM

Here's your telling statistic of the day.

In 2005, the average final score of a Real Salt Lake game was 2.03 (opposition) to .94 (RSL), a difference of 1.09 goals per game.

In 2006, the average final score of a Real Salt Lake game is 1.40 (opposition) to 1.13 (RSL), a difference of .27 goals per game.

We are scoring more goals this year (.19 per game), and we are allowing less goals (.63 per game). We have improved on both sides of the ball, especially defensively. But we're in the same spot we were last year. I suspect two reasons for this. 1, the west is better this year than last year. As edaw said, we've made strides but everyone else had made leaps. 2, instead of losing games by two or three goals, we're losing them by one.