Real Salt Lake came onto the MLS scene in 2005 with much fanfare, but their first three seasons were marred by poor results.

In 2008, they finally qualified for the playoffs, and they rode a wave of good play all the way to the semifinals before falling to Red Bull New York. They still have never won a major trophy, but I don’t think it will be too much longer now.

As they have only been around for four years, they do not have many legends. Freddy Adu plied his trade in Utah before moving across the ocean to Benfica.

Eddie Pope also played for RSL, as did Chris Klein, Jeff Cunningham, Alecko Eskandarian, and Jason Kreis, the squad’s current head coach. Kreis done a remarkably good job so far in his coaching role.

RSL has a beautiful new stadium and their supporters are hoping to carry last year’s momentum into 2009. They should be tough too as the team has many strong players returning, including Kyle Beckerman, Nat Borchers, Robbie Findley, Yura Movsisyan, and Dr. Kenny Deuchar.

Javier Morales is RSL's leader, and one of MLS’s best.

RSL is poised to put their poor past behind them and start a new era of quality results. The team's strong play has their attendance rising, and fans are excited about the prospect of another strong finish in 2009.

I have always hated their name, which is a nod to La Liga giant Real Madrid, but I am beginning to enjoy their play.