LEHI, Utah (ABC-4 Sports) - With the 2009 season halfway done, Real Salt Lake can only look back and think about what could have been. After blowing three late leads that turned victories into disappointing ties, RSL heads into the second half of the season with a record of 5-6-4 and out of the playoffs.
However, after suffering through a 7-game winless streak (0-5-2), RSL has gone unbeaten in its last four games (2-0-2) and is playing perhaps its best soccer of the season. The biggest difference in Real's turnaround has been their defense. In the last four games, RSL has given up just two goals, and goalkeeper Nick Rimando has recorded four shutouts this season.
Head coach Jason Kreis is confident his team can continue this current surge into the second half of the season, but knows they can't continue to give up leads. Had RSL not given up late goals against Colorado, Los Angeles and Houston, they'd have 25 points right now and would be in the playoffs.
Real Salt Lake kicks off the final 15 games of the season Friday night at home against San Jose.
