Three things to watch as RSL enters the Desert Diamond Cup

With Real Salt Lake's participation in the Desert Diamond Cup starting on Wednesday, we're taking a look at three things to watch for in the tournament.

The shifting sands of formation

We've talked a lot about what RSL could look like in a new formation, but this will be one of our first chances to see it. One thing to watch for is how that plays out, and how formations come and go within the 90-minute structure of a match. Let's watch as RSL goes from a 4-3-3 in attack to perhaps something closer to a 4-5-1 in defense.

Players 12-18

The starting lineup might already be more or less set in stone - or at least close to it - but the bench players are going to be the biggest question marks ahead of the new season. Who will earn a spot on the bench, and who might get pushed to Real Monarchs in the process? These four matches will help solve those season-long questions.

How does RSL approach matches?

2014 was a year in which most of the time, Real Salt Lake approached matches with an almost reckless abandon. We pushed for goals, and by and large, we got them. Our defense sometimes struggled as a result -- see Seattle, LA Galaxy -- and it'll be interesting to note whether that continues to be the case.