Title shot is special for Real Salt Lake
Majority of RSL players are competing in first MLS Cup Final
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It is a much different feeling for him than the first time around because this is a much different team than the one he reached the final with originally. Salt Lake fits the definition of underdog and Rimando takes a big thrill in being a part of pushing things forward.
"I got it before, but there's something about this team," Rimando said. "Everybody is going out there really hard and really wants it and I think everybody on this team deserves it -- from the players to the staff."
Being at this stage is a new feeling for many players in an RSL uniform. Aside from Rimando, the overwhelming majority are first-timers in an MLS Cup Final. Reaching this point is a special moment for many of them because of the path they traveled to get here.
"Words really can't do this experience justice, I don't think, because this season has been so turbulent," defender Nat Borchers said. "There's been so many times when we all could have just throw in the towel and said, 'Look let's just do this again next year and try again next year.'"
What makes it equally special is how the Claret-and-Cobalt reached this point after essentially being written off as a contender in the final weeks.
Real went from an eighth seed who earned a playoff bid at the 11th hour with a victory over Colorado in their regular season finale to being a step away from being potentially crowned MLS champs when all is said and done.
"It was a huge boost to get into the playoffs the way we did," midfielder Will Johnson said. "We had been playing (regular season) games where if we lost, we probably would have been eliminated. That momentum has meant a lot to us. We've just been feeding off it and coming together and playing a lot of good soccer."
The sweetness of the moment is not reserved for just the players alone.
For RSL coach Jason Kreis, reaching this stage serves as vindication toward what he has done in his brief tenure as head coach. In less than three full season, Kreis has taken Real from being a league doormat to a team playing for championships.
In some ways, Kreis is envious that his players get to enjoy a moment he never got to a chance to experience in his storied career as an MLS player. But he is happy to reach that pinnacle as a coach.
"To play 11 years in this league and not be able to make a cup final was a little disappointing, I have to say," Kreis said. "You look back at your career and you always want to win things. My not being a part of cup before was a disappointment. But that doesn't take away from this achievement."
For a few players, playing for an MLS Cup offers them a chance to cap their RSL careers in grand fashion.
Yura Movsisyan will be headed overseas to continue his soccer career Denmark after Sunday's game. The Armenian forward loves the idea that the team will have a shot to cap off their season as winners and he could not imagine a better final act for his stay in Salt Lake.
"Every season you want to finish on top -- especially when you're done with your playing time with that team," Movsisyan said. "You want to finish on top. This is the best that could have happened to me."
John Coon is a contributor to MLSnet.com.
