Getting ready for Real Salt Lake

By Sigi Schmid

We just arrived in Salt Lake for our game against Real. The flight was delayed by an hour but everything beyond that went smoothly. The team is relaxed but ready. You can sense the anticipation.

I was pleased with our last game in regards to our effort and commitment to the game. Rimando was on fire and played extremely well. We created chances from the run of play, Evans, Ochoa and Estrada as well as Tiffert. We also created chances on set pieces, Hurtado and Ochoa. We need to do the same on Thursday and we will be all right.

RSL is a good time with a lot of experience so it will not be easy. However, we are also a good team with a hunger to go beyond this round. We know it will not be easy but we are prepared for the task at hand.

It looks like the weather will hold, at least that is the forecast right now, but if it turns nasty we will be ready.

The final preparations are tonight with our team meeting and then our day-of-game routine to get us properly prepared. Sometimes I wish you could call timeout once the game begins like they do in basketball and football. Soccer is special because the players are prepared to carry the load.

Whether you are here in Salt Lake reading this or back in Seattle. Sit back and enjoy the game. It will be fun.

Take care,
Sigi