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Real Salt Lake

Real Salt Lake Weekly Update

June 30, 2009 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Real Salt Lake News Release


Real Salt Lake Declines Contract Option on FW Luis Miguel Escalada

Real Salt Lake today announced that the club has declined to pick up the option on the contact of FW Luis Miguel Escalada that officially expires today. The 23-year-old striker started in one of his five regular season appearances for Real Salt Lake and scored one goal in 126 minutes of action, this after the Argentinean joined the RSL camp early in the team's preseason back in February.

Three Real Salt Lake Midfielders Report for 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup Duty

Real Salt Lake midfielders Kyle Beckerman (United States), Jean Alexandre (Haiti), and Will Johnson (Canada) have departed Utah to report for National Team duty with their respective countries in preparation for the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup.. All three players will miss at least this Friday's contest against the San Jose Earthquakes and RSL's XanGo Cup 2009 exhibition against Club America on July 11, and could also potentially be absent for the Utah side's contests at Columbus on July 18 and at home against FC Dallas on July 24. After initially being named to Jamaica's roster for the Gold Cup, midfielder Andy Williams will not be participating with the "Reggae Boyz" during the competition and will remain available for Real Salt Lake across the month of July.

The 2009 Gold Cup tournament will take place at venues across the United States from July 3-26. Johnson and the "Maple Leafs" of Canada will kick off the Gold Cup this Friday, July 3, in the tournament's opening game against Jamaica at The Home Depot Center in Carson, CA (6:00 p.m. MT). Alexandre and the rest of "les Grenadiers" will start their tournament the following day on July 4, in Seattle, when they take on Honduras at Qwest Field (2:00 p.m. MT) in the first game of a doubleheader that will conclude with Beckerman and the United States taking on Grenada (4:00 p.m. MT).

Real Salt Lake Continues Independence Day Holiday Tradition Friday Night against San Jose

Real Salt Lake (5-6-4, 19 pts.) will look to extend its undefeated streak of four games this Friday, July 3, when the Utah side will host its traditional Independence Day holiday match at Rio Tinto Stadium for the first time against the San Jose Earthquakes (3-8-3, 12 pts.). Kickoff for Friday night's match in Sandy, presented by Les Olson Company, is set for 8:00 p.m. MT, with the team's fifth annual summer holiday match to be followed by one of the Salt Lake valley's few Independence Day Eve fireworks extravaganzas. Broadcast coverage on KUTV 2.2. Digital / Comcast 111 will begin with the America First Credit Union Pre-match Report at 7:30 p.m. MT, while fans can also follow the action live via RSL's official radio partners: KALL 700 Sports (America First Credit Union Pre-Match Report begins at 7:00 p.m.) and "Ke Buena" 1600-AM.

Real Salt Lake will look to hit the .500 mark all-time against San Jose on Friday evening, when the two sides will close out their brief season series. RSL currently trails the 'Quakes by a 2-3-3 margin heading into the weekend, this after San Jose's 2-1 win on May 30 at Buck Shaw Stadium, which marked the last loss by the Utah side before embarking on its current undefeated run. The Claret-and-Cobalt enter Friday's match with a 1-1-2 home record against San Jose, which includes a pair of contests last season at Rice-Eccles Stadium - a 3-1 victory last May 31 and a scoreless draw on June 18.

Real Salt Lake Offers the Hottest Tickets in Town this Summer!

Whether you're looking for tickets to Real Salt Lake's first Independence Day holiday contest in Sandy against San Jose this Friday, all of Real Salt Lake's remaining 2009 contests at Rio Tinto Stadium, or anything in between, the Real Salt Lake Ticketing Department has just the package for you!

The new three-game "RSL Summer Pack" has been introduced, including the two upcoming games featuring post-game fireworks extravaganzas - July 3 v. San Jose, presented by Les Olson Company, and July 24 v. FC Dallas, presented by Regence BCBS - in addition to the lone Utah visit by the Houston Dynamo on August 15, presented by Budweiser. The "RSL Summer Pack" starts at just $39 for North Goal section seats and is also available for $54 for Lower Sideline tickets.

The new-and-improved "Western Union Comboleto" four-game pack now starts off with the upcoming XanGo Cup 2009 contest on July 11 against legendary Mexican side Club America. The "Western Union Comboleto" deal also still includes the 2009 MLS All-Star Game and matches against archrival Chivas USA (August 26) and the Cuauhtémoc Blanco-led Chicago Fire (Sept. 12), with packages available for $69 (North Goal) and $109 (Lower Sideline).

While the season is halfway through, it's not too late to become a Real Salt Lake Season Ticket Holder, as 2009 Half-season Ticket Packages are now available. This new season ticket option, priced at $113 for North Goal seats and $192 for Lower Sideline section tickets, includes the 2009 MLS All-Star Game on July 29 and the six RSL regular season games to follow, beginning with the first-ever visit by Seattle Sounders FC on August 8, in addition to all the benefits of being an RSL Season Ticket Holder, including an invite to this summer's annual "Meet the Team Day" (date TBA).

The updated 2009 Flex Pack includes eight ticket vouchers that can be redeemed for any RSL regular season contest at Rio Tinto Stadium, with a pair of seating options available - $128 for North Goal seats and $200 for Lower Sideline tickets.

The "RSL Family Pack" is also available for the remainder of RSL's 2009 regular season, with the package including four North Goal section seats, four hot dogs and four sodas for just $88.

To order any of these outstanding ticket offers, or to find out more information on a specific package, please call 800-838-3380, go online to www.RioTintoStadium.com, or visit the Rio Tinto Stadium Box Office in person during regular business hours, Monday-Friday from 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Please note that a $5 service fee will be added to the "RSL Summer Pack" and "Western Union Comboleto" package offers.

Mathis Strike among Five Sierra Mist Goal of the Week Nominees

It's another week and another Sierra Mist Goal of the Week candidate donning the Claret-and-Cobalt, as M/F Clint Mathis' clinical finish in Saturday's 3-0 win over Toronto FC is one of five nominees up for this week's honor. Mathis took a break from providing assists in the 78th minute of Saturday's contest, scoring off a quick counter-attack with a right-footed rifle that nestled inside the far left post, completing the scoring in the shutout over the visiting "Reds." All four of Mathis' previous tallies in an RSL uniform dating back to 2005 have garnered the Goal of the Week award, so to make sure he continues that streak visit www.MLSnet.com and click on the Sierra Mist Goal of the Week link by Wednesday morning to make your vote count.

Polls for 2009 MLS All-Star Game Online Voting Close Next Monday

Less than one week remains for Real Salt Lake fans to vote a dozen members of their Claret-and-Cobalt - including leading scorer Robbie Findley, assist-man extraordinaire Clint Mathis, and veteran netminder Nick Rimando - onto this year's MLS All-Star team, as online voting at www.MLSnet.com for the 2009 MLS All-Star Game concludes next Monday, July 6. In just under one month's time on Wednesday, July 29, the League's annual summer showcase heads to Real Salt Lake's home of Rio Tinto Stadium, where the best and brightest from Major League Soccer will assemble to take on legendary English Premier League club Everton FC (7:30 p.m. MT, live on ESPN2 & Galavision).

By submitting a ballot, fans will automatically be entered in the MLSnet.com All-Star Ballot Sweepstakes for a chance to win one of two 2009 MLS All-Star autographed adidasTM men's jerseys. Fans can vote up to 10 times a day for their First XI online by selecting one goalkeeper, three defenders, five midfielders, and two forwards. The online fan balloting program will comprise 25 percent of the total vote for the All-Star First XI, with coaches and general managers, players, and media each holding 25 percent of the vote.

Tickets to the 2009 MLS All-Star Game remain on sale, with prices starting at $35 (North Goal, South Goal and Upper Deck), and continuing at $45 (Corner Flag), $60 (Lower Sidelines), $105 (Front Row and Midfield) and $200 (Club Seats). All Real Salt Lake season ticket holders are assured of their current seats for the 2009 MLS All-Star Game. To purchase tickets for the MLS All-Star Game's first-ever visit to Utah, please visit www.RioTintoStadium.com, call 800-838-3380, or visit the Rio Tinto Stadium Box Office, open Monday-Friday from 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

RSL on the Air: Tune in Tonight for Rocky Mountain Chevy Dealers RSL Coach's Corner on KALL 700 Sports

Due to technical reasons, tonight's edition of the Rocky Mountain Chevy Dealers RSL Coach's Corner on KALL 700 Sports will originate from the KALL studios rather than making its previously scheduled appearance up in Brigham City. However, that doesn't mean you can't join in on the fun with Head Coach Jason Kreis and hosts Bill Riley & Spencer Checketts, as RSL fans are encouraged to chime in with their questions and comments on all things Claret-and-Cobalt by calling 877-353-0700 or by texting 29909.

Upcoming Rocky Mountain Chevy Dealers RSL Coach's Corner Locations:

Tuesday, July 7 (with Garth Lagerwey): Axtell-Taylor GM - 1955 N. Main Street in Layton

Tuesday, July 14: Gene Harvey Chevrolet, Inc. - 221 S. 500 East in American Fork

Tuesday, July 21: Barber Brothers Motor Company - 1341 N. Main Street in Spanish Fork

In addition to the Tuesday's weekly hour with Coach Kreis, Real Salt Lake personalities will be taking to the radio airwaves nearly every day during the 2009 season, as the team's radio home, KALL 700 Sports, and 1280 The Zone will welcome RSL players and coaches to their studios to give fans the scoop on the Claret-and-Cobalt:

Mondays: "Wingin' It" with Chris Wingert - KALL 700 Sports' Bill & Spence Show at 4:40 p.m. MT

Tuesdays: Rocky Mountain Chevy Dealers RSL Coach's Corner with Jason Kreis - KALL 700 Sports from 6:00-7:00 p.m. MT

Wednesdays: GM Garth Lagerwey - KALL 700 Sports' Bill & Spence Show at 4:20 p.m. MT

Thursdays: RSL First Kick with Spencer Checketts, Trey Fitz-Gerald and Brian Dunseth - KALL 700 Sports from 7:00-8:00 p.m. MT

Fridays: GM Garth Lagerwey - 1280 "The Zone" on Monson and Graham at 2:30 p.m. MT

RSL Team Store Features New RSL Hooded Sweatshirts as "Item of the Week"

The Real Salt Lake Team Store at Rio Tinto Stadium has dropped prices on the new RSL Hooded Sweatshirt for its "Item of the Week" special, which will be available through matchday this Friday against the San Jose Earthquakes. Fans can snag the RSL "hoodie" that normally sells for $60 this week for just $50, with the price dropping to $40 for RSL Season Ticket Holders. In addition, the RSL Team Store is highlighting the RSL scarf for only $15 during its extended "Real Hours" this Friday, with the deal running from the opening of the store at 10:00 a.m. through kickoff of the contest against the 'Quakes. And speaking of the big game, don't forget to stop by the "U-$20 Booth" on the stadium's east concourse (across from Section 37) to pick up all pieces of officially-licensed RSL merchandise priced under $20 - all of which will be slashed by 10% for every goal RSL puts on the board (up to a 40% discount).

To get a closer look at this week's special items, make sure to check RSL's Behind the Shield blog, located at www.RSLtotheCore.com, and keep following up throughout the week to see when new merchandise will be hitting the shelves. To take advantage of the store's weekly deals and to see the full range of officially licensed RSL gear, drop by the RSL Team Store during regular business hours: Monday-Saturday (closed this Saturday, July 4) from 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. MT. For more information on the Real Salt Lake Team Store - including the $10 shipping offer, phone orders, autographed and personalized merchandise, and how you can get 25% off all your purchases - call the RSL Merchandise Hotline at 801-727-2888.

Real Salt Lake Summer Soccer Series Continues Tomorrow in Park City

The RSL Summer Soccer Series continues with Wednesday night's FREE clinic at Trailside Park in Park City (5715 Trailside Drive) from 6:00-8:00 pm, where M/F Clint Mathis and MF Raphael Cox will be among the clinic staffers. The clinics, conducted by the RSL Youth Soccer staff, players, and coaches, are geared towards children ages 5-17. Pre-registration is encouraged, but on-site sign up is also available. All participants will receive a free RSL Summer Soccer Series t-shirt.

Registration for the Real Salt Lake Summer Soccer Series is open to the public, but a limited number of spots are available. For more information, including the full schedule through September and registration details, please visit the "Community" section of www.RealSaltLake.com, or contact Rachel King at rking@realsaltlake.com / 801-727-2792 or J.C. Perea (bilingual) at jperea@realsaltlake.com / 801-727-2727.

Upcoming 2009 Real Salt Lake Summer Soccer Series Schedule

July 1: Trailside Park - 5715 Trailside Drive in Park City (English-language clinic)

July 8: Centennial Park - 5415 West 3100 South in West Valley City (Bilingual clinic)

July 15: Libbie Edward Elementary School - 1655 East 3300 South in Salt Lake City (English-language clinic)

July 22: West Jordan Soccer Complex - 4000 West 7800 South in West Jordan (Bilingual clinic)

Bilingual clinic sites are presented by America First Credit Union, Burger King, Pepsi, Rio Tinto, Salt Lake Regional Medical Center, Siegfried and Jensen, Utah Department of Public Safety, Western Union and Zions Bank. English-language clinics this year will be presented by America First Credit Union, Burger King, Pepsi, Rio Tinto, and Salt Lake Regional Medical Center.

Registration Still Available for Upcoming RSL Youth Soccer Camps

The 2009 Real Salt Lake Youth Soccer Camps - focusing on developing skills for children ages 4-18 playing at all levels of the sport - are taking the week off to celebrate the July 4th holiday, but will return in full form from July 6-10 with the camp located at the West Jordan Soccer Complex. Registration is still open for the remaining six RSL Youth Soccer Camps slated to take place across the northern half of the Beehive State between now and August:

July 6-10 West Jordan West Jordan Soccer Complex, Fields B & C (4000 W. 7800 South)

July 13-17 SLC-East Churchill Junior High (3450 E. Oakview Drive)

*** Registration for 9:00a-12:00p Skills Camp (ages 9-18) is closed at this location

July 20-24 Tooele Deseret Peak Soccer Fields (2930 W. Highway 112)

July 27-31 Sandy Lone Peak Park (10140 S. 700 East)

Aug. 3-7 Logan/Hyde Park Cedar Ridge Middle School (65 N. 200 West in Hyde Park)

Aug. 10-14 Provo Sertoma Park (400 E. 2400 North)

For more information on the RSL Youth Soccer Camps, including registration instructions, head to the "Youth Soccer" menu at www.RealSaltLake.com or contact RSL Director of Youth Camps Rob Karas at 801-819-9061 or rkaras@RealSaltLake.com.

XanGo Cup 2009 Next up on Rio Tinto Stadium's Summer Schedule

The slate of events at Rio Tinto Stadium has grown thanks to the addition of the upcoming XanGo Cup 2009 on Saturday, July 11, featuring Real Salt Lake taking on legendary Mexican League side Club América, with kickoff set for 6:00 p.m. MT. Ticket prices for the XanGo Cup 2009 clash begin at $18 (with the purchase of the 4-game "Western Union Comboleto" package), while stand-alone prices range from $20-$60.

Tickets for other future Rio Tinto Stadium events, including the rescheduled Rio Tinto Stadium Monster Truck Spectacular ($10-$30), all Real Salt Lake contests ($18-$60), the 2009 MLS All-Star Game on July 29 ($35-$200), and Kenny Chesney's "Sun City Carnival" tour stop on July 23 ($29-$125), are now on sale and can be purchased via one of three ways: online at www.RioTintoStadium.com, over the phone at (888) 477-5849, or in person at the Stadium's east-side ticket windows every Monday-Friday from 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Saturday, July 11: XanGo Cup 2009 - Real Salt Lake v. Club America (MEX) - 6:00 p.m. MT

Thursday, July 23: Kenny Chesney's "Sun City Carnival" tour - 5:30 p.m. MT

Wednesday, July 29: 2009 MLS All-Star Game: MLS v. Everton FC - 7:30 p.m. MT

Saturday, August 22: Rio Tinto Stadium Monster Truck Show, featuring GRAVE DIGGER - TWO SHOWS: 2:00 p.m. (day) and 7:00 p.m. (night)

Saturday, Sept. 5: U.S. Men's National Team v. El Salvador in World Cup Qualifying - 5:30 p.m. MT

For more information on these matches and concerts - and to keep an eye out for future events taking place at Utah's new world-class entertainment venue - please visit www.RioTintoStadium.com.

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