Real Salt Lake turns up the defensive heat

Who would've guessed a Real Salt Lake team that allowed 11 goals in its first six matches this year — only one of which was a win — would be one of the best defensive teams in Major League Soccer by midseason?

It would've been a laughable suggestion in early May, but heading into this weekend's MLS All-Star Game, it's a reality.

RSL is tied for second in goals against (19), second in goals-against average (1.06) and first in shutouts (7). Nick Rimando, who has been in goal every minute this year, already owns a 284-minute scoreless streak this season, and he's in the midst of a 271-minute scoreless streak — 23 minutes shy of Kansas City's season high.

With three straight shutouts, Real Salt Lake has only allowed two goals in its past eight matches. It's the best defensive stretch in MLS this year and one of the best in recent memory.

Just think how glossy RSL's record might be if it could score?

"The fact of the matter is the whole team is concentrating and focusing a lot more about what we're doing on the defensive end," said RSL assistant coach Robin Fraser.

"Organized teams win in this league, and we've worked on being organized all year long. I think the last eight or so games are a pretty good example of a team that fights for each other."

It's not just the defenders playing well — even though Chris Wingert, Jamison Olave and Nat Borchers are probably all-star worthy as well as they've played lately — but the midfield is doing its job, also. Dema Kovalenko is working his tail off at holding midfield, while the rest of the midfielders are chipping in defensively, too.

Even the forwards are pressuring the ball more aggressively, forcing opponents to give it away quicker.

"The team has bought into the philosophy that if we're organized and we're hard to break down we're going to give up less chances, and if you give up less chances you're going to give up less goals," said Fraser, one of the league's all-time best defenders.

RSL's impressive defensive form conjures up memories of Houston's incredible run in 2007. The Dynamo recorded seven straight shutouts during an impressive stretch last summer and ultimately shattered the league record with only 23 goals allowed.

A slow start to the 2008 season will inevitably keep RSL from breaking that lofty record. However, Chivas USA's 28 goals against last year is the second-best defensive season in league history and a seemingly attainable goal for RSL.

"Our team and our backline have had a chance to really start to play together. The more we get a chance to play together, the better we're going to be. I think that's true for any team," said Wingert.

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