The Obligatory Season Preview

Four months removed from what was the greatest moment in Real Salt Lake history, the defending champions are going to try the favorite tag on for size for the first time this Saturday in the Bay Area. So what can we expect? Is it fair to say that anything less than another run to the MLS Cup Final is a disappointment? RSL was playing at top form by the time they arrived in Seattle, will that carry over to the beginning of this season?

It is The Report's opinion that we can not and will not get too ahead of ourselves. After all, this is a squad that snuck into the playoffs in 2009. Not only that, but they needed a number of small miracles to do so. Oh and to make things more interesting, RSL will be playing with giant targets on their backs. So yes, let's hope for the best this season; but only do so if you can wrap your head around one thing: RSL may struggle early, but it's a long season and I fully expect Jason Kreis' squad to be in the hunt for a playoff spot in October.

THE KEY PLAYERS (in reverse order - for dramatic effect):

5. Nick Rimando (GK) - The man between the pipes for Salt Lake is the personification of solid. He allowed only 29 goals in 26 games last season, and for an encore only three snuck by him in the playoffs (not to mention all of those PK saves in shootouts). Coming into the 11th year in his MLS career, Rimando is now a bonafide star Real Salt Lake and he needs to be great this year (and stay healthy) if his team wants to get back into the playoffs.

4. Chris Wingert (DEF) - Real Salt Lake only allowed 4 goals in the last seven games of 2009 (three regular season games, four playoff games) and a big part of that was the emergence of Chris Wingert. Throughout 2009 the fullback looked less than comfortable as Kreis switched him between the left side and the right side on a regular basis. But once October rolled in, Wingert got it together and stepped up on a number of occasions, most notably helping to shut down Landon Donovan and crew in the final.  Entering his fourth season with Salt Lake, Wingert needs to start off well and be consistent throughout the season or he will be losing some time to up and comer Tony Beltran.

3. Javier Morales (MID) - This man needs to have a better season than last. After being considered an MVP candidate in 2008 (6 goals, 15 assists), Javi-Mo was sometimes invisible on the pitch in 2009 (1 goal, 5 assists). His tough campaign, of course, ended 15 minutes into the final as he was injured on a challenge from David Beckham. The magic we saw between him and Beckerman in '08 was just not there last year. If he fails to produce that spark, that creativity, then it will be a long season for RSL.

2. Jamison Olave (DEF) - When he wasn't suspended (3 ejections last season), Jamison Olave was the most important player on the field for Real Salt Lake in 2009. His strength, his size, his attitude, all of these things intimidate opposing strikers. The man plays with no fear whatsoever and is not afraid to put prima donna forwards on the ground at any time. The Report is shocked that he has lasted this long with the club, but as long as he has an RSL uniform on, we will be fans.

1. Robbie Findley (FWD) - Surprise, surprise. This guy is a game-changer. A difference-maker. A freaking goal machine. At least that's what we are all hoping in 2010. Talk about a guy who found his form in the late stages of 2009.  Robbie Findley found the back of the net five times between the final regular season game and the four playoff games. Findley is the only player on the team that could really be considered a star. Real Salt Lake is in slight danger of losing him, however, over the summer as he has an outside chance of making the United States roster in South Africa. Another thing to consider, he's lost his running mate, Yura Movsisyan, so the helter skelter scoring (such as his goal in MLS Cup) may be limited. All of that aside, this will be Findley's best year ever and we here at the report fully expect a 15-20 goal season.

Saturday, March 27th, Real Salt Lake will begin their title defense run in San Jose. The game will be broadcast on Fox Soccer at 7:00 pm Mountain.