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Show DAILY UTAH CHRONICLE 10 Tuesday, September 6, 2011 Daily RSL A Chronicle sports writer's blog A depleted Real Salt Lake pulled out a 2-I victory Saturday night over the Philadelphia Union at Rio Tinto Stadium. Missing a number of key players, RSL played at a level worthy of praise. Although it wasn't the prettiest game, it was a resilient and hard-fought victory by players who lacked experience. Kyle Beckerman scored the first goal with a magnificent shot from 25 yards out in the first half, and a few minutes later, defender Chris Schuler put in a header off of a corner kick. RSL survived an onslaught of Philadelphia attacks in the final 20 minutes. It was a victory similar to the win against Chivas USA just last week. With Philadelphia also in the Wild Card playoff mix, this win helped create some separation for Real heading into the final months of the season. However, Real still covets a first-round bye and a secured Western Conference playoff berth. Clearly, returning to earlyseason form is a top priority for RSL at the moment, but it wants to be even better than the team that nearly won the CONCACAF tournament. "We're not really trying to get back to that. This is a new team almost," Beckerman said. "We're just trying to improve and get better, and go beyond that (CONCACAF team)." Undoubtedly anything less than a deep playoff run would be considered a disappointment. Getting healthy and staying in shape will be key to any improvement. With so many play- "Undermanned RSL beats Philadelphia 21 at Rio Tinto" by Todd Patton ers having extra games because of national team commitments, fitness levels will surely be tested. There is plenty of room to make up ground and secure a top-three Western Conference playoff berth for Real Salt Lake. Other RSL notes: • Beckerman flies to Brussels to participate in the U.S. men's national team game against Belgium today. With no Landon Donavan, Beckerman will most likely be the key midfielder for the Americans in the international friendly. Added games and travel have been discussed as issues for Beckerman, but with the current form he is in, there shouldn't be any lasting repercussions. If anything, this international experience can only help Beckerman's play. • Alvaro Saborio was available for Saturday's game after playing 90 minutes the day before in the Costa Rica versus USA friendly. Head coach Jason Kreis was not planning on dressing him for the match, but Saborio insisted on being available. This bodes as a good sign that Saborio is invested in RSL and willing to help out this team anyway possible. "Last night I got a text message from him saying, 'I want to be there for you, and try to help this team,'" Kreis said about Saborio's willingness to play. t.patton@ chronicle.utah.edu Deals for food, entertainment and everything else for students, faculty and staff at the University of Utah. NATHAN SWEET/The Daily Utah Chronicle A Real Salt Lake defender clears a corner kick with his head during Saturday's match against The Philadelphia Union at Rio Tinto Stadium. RSL came away with a 2-1 victory. Go to: www.UtahCampusDeals.com and sign up today to get $10 in Deal Bucks! browse the news on your cell • Mobile web version of The Daily Utah Chronicle Online now available! qjja. , ~JI eat fresh. *Tell us where you want deals from email ads@utah.edu 221 S.1300 E. Salt Lake City 582-5001 $5.00 Footlongs Every Day Value Menu 41: Meatball Marinara Cold Cut Combo Spicy Italian Veggie Delite Black Forest Ham BLT SEASON PASSES ON SALE NOW. $5.50 Footlongs Roasted Chicken Consider this your new backyard. Valid At: Canyons didn't just get bigger, it got a whole lot better. And with all our LU N more terrain, and a massive ski beach with fantastic apres ski offerings - www subway corn See Get the best price on season passes when you buy by October 15th at 221 S. 1300 E. in 200 South recent upgrades - the new Orange Bubble Express, the new terrain park, a Canyons season pass is a better value than ever. Tuna 0 enimm i .-ep 582-5001 Mt boon, Asmoon Our Other Locations: 1314 S. Foothill Dr. (Foothill Village) 581-1322 421 E.400 S. 355-3259 thecanyons.com , or call 435.615.3410. Gateway Mall (Food Court) 456-0798 4,000 Acres of Tern • Orange Bubble Express • 974 E. 2100 S. (Sugarhouse) 485-8658 Apres Scene at Ski Beach • Terrain Park THECANYONS.COM © 2011 The Canyons. All rights reserved. STUDENT FRIENDLY! GO UTES Not good with any other offer. Good at participating stores only. No cash value. Not for sale. 0 2004 Doctor's Associates Inc. University Location • 222 S. 1300 E. • 582 7200 Tuesday Special: 990 1/4 lb Hamburgers' fiii unih purchase a ifieS 9 01111k, 011101 flap Of ZUCC1(11 FINS, Since 1981 Also at: 1800 S. State • 255-5800 |