Real Salt Lake is 11 games into the 2015 MLS season and while that puts RSL approximately one-third of the way through the 34-game regular season, midfielder and captain Kyle Beckerman isn’t about to use the club’s record as a benchmark to project where they can be at the end of the season. That has as much to do with the club’s 3-3-5 start as it does the ever-changing lineups due to the injuries that have stricken the team early in the year.
With a 4-1 defeat to the Montreal Impact in the immediate rearview mirror, Beckerman has his sights set just on the next match on the schedule – in this case a home contest against New York City FC on Saturday.
“Right now, it’s just the next game. I really just want us to find some consistency. I think that’s the main thing you’ve got to look for. Whether you win, lose or draw, if you have good performances and you’re playing well, that’s something to build off of,” Beckerman said on the Bill & OC Show on ESPN 700 Monday. “If you continue to have good performances, then the wins will follow. That’s really what I’m looking for.”
It has been an up and down first 11 matches for RSL. After a 2-0-3 start, the Claret-and-Cobalt have since gone just 1-3-2 with two blowout defeats on the road against the New England Revolution and Montreal.
While the loss of players like Joao Plata, Javier Morales, Sebastian Jaime and Chris Schuler to injury have made for some inconsistent lineup options for Head Coach Jeff Cassar, the club still seeks consistency in its play.
“We’re trying to keep getting points and get as many wins as we can, but we’re still trying to figure things out,” Beckerman said. “It’s so early in the standings and we’re not consistent enough to be looking at first or second like that right now. Right now, it’s about trying to find it.”
On Saturday, RSL will have the next opportunity to regain some of that consistency against NYCFC. Led by former RSL Head Coach Jason Kreis as well as a slew of former RSL players, the expansion club from New York has seen some struggles as well, posting a 1-6-4 record through 11 matches. With both teams seeking the type of result that can catapult them to greater success, the storyline of the two linked clubs takes a backseat.
“I’m sure there will be some funny moments during it, but when it comes down to it we’re both looking to kick each other’s butts and get a win for the club,” Beckerman said. “We’re all trying to find the footing and find that consistency.”
To hear the full interview, click here.
