Real Salt Lake’s 2013 regular season schedule was released earlier Wednesday, which means it’s time to pull out your best red marker and circle a few dates on the calendar.
Here are a few games that we’re really looking forward to:
RSL at San Jose Earthquakes, March 3, 8 p.m.
The Claret-and-Cobalt open the season at defending Supporters’ Shield winners San Jose. RSL has had past success opening its season at San Jose, downing the ‘Quakes in the team’s MLS opener in 2010 and 2011. The team will have revenge on its mind after losing all three of its matches against the ‘Quakes in 2012 by a combined score of 10-2. This should be a great one.
RSL vs. Colorado Rapids, March 16, 3:30 p.m.
It’s the home opener and the first of three legs in the 2013 Subaru Rocky Mountain Cup series. The Claret-and-Cobalt will be looking to get off on the right foot at Rio Tinto as the team goes for its seventh-straight RMC.
RSL vs. Seattle Sounders FC, March 30, 7 p.m.
It’s been two months, but RSL’s playoff elimination at the hands of Seattle at Rio Tinto Stadium in November still stings. The Claret-and-Cobalt’s first chance to get the Sounders back comes on March 30 at Rio Tinto Stadium. The RioT will undoubtedly be rocking for that one.
RSL vs. San Jose Earthquakes, June 1, 7:30 p.m. – RSL vs. Los Angeles Galaxy, June 8, 7:30 p.m. – RSL vs. Seattle Sounders FC, June 22, 7:30 p.m.
The first three weeks of June will be absolutely huge for RSL, which will host Western Conference Powers San Jose, LA and Seattle on June 1, 8 and 22, respectively. Some major moving and shaking in the West table will be done during these games – hopefully RSL will come out on top in all three.
RSL at New York Red Bulls, July 27, 5 p.m.
The Claret-and-Cobalt will get its first and only crack of 2013 at former RSL players Jamison Olave and Fabian Espindola on July 27 at Red Bull Arena. Sadly, the Red Bulls won’t make the return trip to Utah in the 2013 regular season. They’ll be back in 2014.
RSL at Colorado Rapids, Aug. 3, 7 p.m.
Leg three of the 2013 Subaru Rocky Mountain Cup. Could be a winner take all type match as RSL looks for its seventh-straight Cup. Already psyched to see the traveling faithful take over Dick's Sporting Goods Park.
RSL vs. Portland Timbers, Aug. 30, 8 p.m.
Former RSL midfielder Will Johnson will return to Rio Tinto Stadium for the first and only time of the 2013 regular season on Aug. 30. The national television audience will get a great view of what will likely be a very nice reception given to Will by the RSL faithful.
RSL vs. Chivas USA, Oct. 23, 7 p.m.
Chivas USA isn’t RSL’s biggest opponent by any means, but the Oct. 23 match at Rio Tinto Stadium is the regular season finale. It’ll be a great celebration of RSL’s inevitable Supporters’ Shield win. Make sure you get your tickets now.
