After so many goals and victories at Rio Tinto Stadium, players for Real Salt Lake turn to its ever-fervent crowd, celebrating their own accomplishments while also acknowledging the role played by the sell-out crowds in Sandy.
On Wednesday, that relationship between the club and its supporters will be formally celebrated on Fan Appreciation Night as RSL takes on Chivas USA in the regular season finale.
“They’ve been incredible. Our record has been very good at home this year and that’s a credit to our fans,” RSL Head Coach Jeff Cassar said from the team’s training facility on Monday. “Without a doubt they give us energy and we wouldn’t be where we are without them, that’s for sure.”
Real holds the league’s third-best home record this season at 10-1-5, the lone defeat coming clear back in June against the Portland Timbers. With crowds reaching club-record heights, averaging 20,332 per game through the first 16 home matches, the players have taken notice and aim to reward that support against Chivas on Wednesday.
“The fans are really into it and they’ve supported us all the way through. Hopefully we can return the favor a little bit by having some success,” said RSL DF Chris Wingert, who is in his eight season with the Claret-and-Cobalt. “That’s the best way we know how is to give it our all and hopefully we can provide a couple home games for them here in the next month.”
There is a lot at stake in the final match of the 2014 season, with Real aiming to put itself into the third spot in the Western Conference playoffs, avoiding the Knockout Round match between the fourth- and fifth-seeded teams.
In addition to celebrating Fan Appreciation Night in the stadium, RSL will also be bringing the celebration to the fans all week through various appearances by club mascot Leo, who will be popping in on various locations around the city throughout the week.
Stay tuned to Twitter (@RealSaltLake) and Instagram (realsaltlake) for further updates and information on how to get RSL swag.
