RSL Family:
I want to take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you a Happy Thanksgiving and a Happy Holiday season. We all have so many things to be thankful for in our lives. Our Families, Our Friends, Our Lives.
Personally, I'm thankful for the responsibility of being the Head Coach of such a wonderful organization. Starting with our Owner Dell Loy Hansen, our General Manager Craig Waibel, our Chief Business Officer Andy Carroll, to influential figures Rob Zarkos and Trey Fitz-Gerald, and with the entire RSL Staff, every day it is truly a blessing for my staff and players to work with these people - who all care so much about this Club - as we work together every minute of every day to grow the game in Utah, North America and the world.
On behalf of the coaching staff and all of our locker room, we are incredibly thankful to play in front of such amazing fans. YOU are always there for the TEAM - WIN, LOSE or DRAW. I know that in 2015 there were too many losses and ties, especially at Rio Tinto Stadium. We share your frustration in not making the playoffs; advancing to MLS Cup is our annual objective, while falling shy defeats OUR collective aspiration.
2015 was a year of change. In sports, change is the only constant, but we've seen changes in the front office, with team personnel, having a knock-on effect on our team formation, etc. While change can bring inconsistency at times, and can bring frustration at times, it can also bring doubt, which we've seen; BUT change can also bring growth, which benefited several individuals that are critical to our future. We have planted the seeds in 2015 and NOW with the 2016 campaign it is time for us to all BELIEVE in each other - #AsOne - and reap what we have sowed!
Preparations for 2016 have already begun, with the technical staff scattered across the globe on numerous scouting expeditions. The players are committed – more than ever before – to our CONCACAF ambitions. Our sports science staff has set forth an offseason workout plan for the team that will have the players back in better shape than ever as preseason starts just four weeks before our trip to face Tigres.
To that end, we have composed an aggressive preseason schedule. Once again, we will be participating in the Desert Diamond Cup in Tucson, allowing us to get quality games against MLS teams. Prior to that, we will also play an exhibition game versus a Mexican team in Mexico - date/site TBD - to better prepare ourselves for the CCL Quarterfinal series against Tigres.
From the entire Real Salt Lake organization to you, the fans, our lifeblood and inspiration - please have a WONDERFUL holiday season, knowing we can’t wait to see you all at Rio Tinto Stadium on March 2nd to kick off the home portion of our 12th season, one in which we compete in the CONCACAF knockout stages for just the second time ever, and will look to make another deep U.S. Open Cup run, as well as pursue the MLS Cup.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Jeff Cassar
Head Coach
