At the precipice, RSL shows retention, not rebuilding could be MLS Cup key

Well, we're back.

It took four years, heartbreak, and a couple finals, but we've returned to the MLS Cup Final.

I'm not going to talk about rebuilding years. I'm not going to talk about the pain we felt losing two cup finals -- one of them the biggest we can reach.

I won't even tell you to just be glad we're here, given our early-season predictions.

But let's talk about those predictions for a minute. We lost three big players, yes. (Again, this is not about rebuilding, but about expectations. I suspect I will soon be splitting hairs.) We lost several less big players.

But the important thing was that we didn't lose more. I mean no disrespect to those we lost, but seven of our expected starting eleven are back here four years later. That's not rebuilding: That's consistency.

The amount of faith and belief shown by Real Salt Lake in these players -- from Jason Kreis and Garth Lagerwey to the fans and everyone between -- speaks volumes about their ability and our connection as a group.

We're a long way from the days of the "Kyle & Javi Show" -- but at the same time, here they are, and here we are.

Let's go win the cup.