Real Salt Lake makes the trip to Pizza Hut Park tonight to face off against FC Dallas for the first time since their playoff series against the Hoops last fall (a series won by FCD). Here are some talking points for this rare Sunday affair for the Royals:
1- It really is rare for RSL to play on Sundays. Sports teams in Utah generally avoid Sunday games as much as possible simply because many people won’t attend on religious grounds (Mormons have various teachings on what it means to keep the Sabbath day holy, usually attending sporting events is not one of those holy items). When the team does play on Sundays it is always an away game similar to today’s match. While there aren’t many (if any) Mormons on the team, the fact is that RSL usually plays one or maybe two Sunday matches a year. This makes it a mostly out of the ordinary occurrence. It will be interesting to see if the team looks a little out of stride and out of routine.
2- Round two of MLS’ hottest new reality show “Who Replaces Javi” will be something to watch today as well. Collen Warner had his first audition last week and got mixed reviews. I would expect to see Andy Williams get his shot today. But Williams almost always gets subbed in for when he starts, so look to possibly see Warner around the 60th minute. The Hoops are also without reigning league MVP David Ferreira who broke his ankle during the “purge the stars” month in Major League Soccer.
3- Strange fact via Michael C. Lewis in the Salt Lake Tribune: the Royals have NEVER left Dallas with so much as a point. That just seems strange, but apparently is true. With all of the current issues facing the team recently I don’t believe today will be any different. If they do come away with a point the trip would be considered a success.
