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One down and one to go for Real Salt Lake this week

By denz
The last time the Timbers came to Rio Tinto Stadium there was a lot of celebrating, hopefully we will see more on Saturday. (photo by me)
The last time the Timbers came to Rio Tinto Stadium there was a lot of celebrating, hopefully we will see more on Saturday. (photo by me)

There is nothing I can say that would convey the importance of that 93rd minute PK goal on Tuesday night in Panama, it could be a franchise changer for RSL. Remember that the entire organization is aiming for the goal of winning the CONCACAF Champions League, and that lofty goal is still alive for RSL.

However that isn't the only goal of the organization the second revolves around league play and that will get back underway on Saturday when the Portland Timbers come to town as RSL plays their 16th home match of the year, our first home match on national TV as the crew from NBC Sports will be in town. It also represents our chance to notch our 15th win of the season, which would mark the 3rd straight year we have done that. Only one other team in MLS (post shootout era) have done that, it was DC United back in 2005-2007, both RSL and the LA Galaxy could enter that rare club with wins on Saturday.

What else is at stake for RSL after the jump:

For Real Salt Lake it could be the day they secure a playoff spot for 2012, here are the scenarios that need to take place for that to happen:

Real Salt Lake WIN against the Portland Timbers on Saturday

AND

Chivas USA TIE or LOSE to the Columbus Crew on Wednesday OR

Chivas USA TIE or LOSE to D.C. United on Saturday

So RSL still have a good deal to play for on Saturday night and it should be another big crowd at Rio Tinto Stadium and I expect a good number of Timber's Army folks to make the trip as well.

While RSL might be a bit tired from all their travel, the Timbers will actually be in action on Wednesday as they travel to San Jose to take on the Earthquakes. It should be an interesting match as RSL look to improve on their current home record of 10-4-1, while the Timbers are still winless on the road at 0-10-3 heading into their match at San Jose. Don't be fooled by the Timbers record, they fought to a 1-1 draw with Seattle last weekend and I thought they were the better team for a good portion of the match.

It should be a great match up, remember this is an early match with a 6pm MT start, so gates will open at 5pm and you will want to be there early to make sure we give our boys all the support they need during warmups and as the match gets underway.

See you there.

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