Reader comments: Grand opening, but ... Real Salt Lake fails to make up ground in MLS playoff push
103 comments | Read story
Sour Grapes | 5:21 a.m. Oct. 10, 2008
I'm still ticked that public money was used to construct this future "flee market" site.
Soccerman | 5:53 a.m. Oct. 10, 2008
Great read, Mr. Edwards, but NYRB's record against RSL is 2-0-6, not 6-0-2. It's a big difference to always draw against a team than to always lose. Nevertheless, you are right, RSL has yet to beat NY. It definitely looked like a nervous bunch out there last night and I can only imagine what a player like Andy Williams might have contributed as a veteran to calm things down and make better passes out of the midfield.
Comments continue below
Soccer.......Who Cares? | 5:58 a.m. Oct. 10, 2008
What the....?
"It took a special moment from Clint Mathis to help change everything...Mathis made a spectacular switch-the-field pass with the outside of his foot..."
What is this?
Is that like a dunk in basketball? Or a home run in baseball? Or a TD in football? Or is it at least like watching the paint dry on the new stadium?
I think not.
Either this writer stunk at explaining this "awesome" play, or adults playing soccer is just boring!
Leave soccer to the youngsters to keep them fit and then let them move on to a "real" sport. (no pun intended)
"It took a special moment from Clint Mathis to help change everything...Mathis made a spectacular switch-the-field pass with the outside of his foot..."
What is this?
Is that like a dunk in basketball? Or a home run in baseball? Or a TD in football? Or is it at least like watching the paint dry on the new stadium?
I think not.
Either this writer stunk at explaining this "awesome" play, or adults playing soccer is just boring!
Leave soccer to the youngsters to keep them fit and then let them move on to a "real" sport. (no pun intended)
Go RSL! | 6:10 a.m. Oct. 10, 2008
The stadium is great, but the play was a little sloppy on both sides last night. NY sure was physical. At least RSL pulled off a point. I wish it could have been three, they really need more than draws if they hope to make the playoffs. I though beckerman looked good in the middle. Johnson seemed the most nervous of the bunch.
Hopefully when Dallas comes in next week they can pull off the victory.
GO REAL!
Hopefully when Dallas comes in next week they can pull off the victory.
GO REAL!
Anonymous | 6:36 a.m. Oct. 10, 2008
Sell out crowd? It was announced as such, but when I saw the game on TV there were tons and tons of empty seats. What a disappointment. First game in a new stadium and they can fill the place. Big Mistake.
To: Anonymous | 7:29 a.m. Oct. 10, 2008
What game were you watching? I saw the whole game on ESPN 2 and there were no empty seats in the whole place. People wearing red shirts are not empty seats. While the soccer could have been better the opening went well and RSL has a great future.
Go Soccer Go! | 7:38 a.m. Oct. 10, 2008
You soccer haters, YOU SHOULD KNOW THAT "SOCCER" OR REAL "FOOTBALL" IS THE KING SPORT IN THE WORLD!!!
WE PLAY "FOOTBALL" EVERYWHRE, YOU SHOULD SEE THE REAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, IT IS NOT LIKE THE SPORTS IN USA, WHEN SOMEBODY WINS SOMETHING HERE IN US, YOU SAY WORLD CHAMPION....HAHAHAHA "WORLD" WITHOUT ANY OTHER COUNTRY...USA ONLY!!!
GO REAL, GO SOCCER...GO REAL FOOTBALL!!!
WE PLAY "FOOTBALL" EVERYWHRE, YOU SHOULD SEE THE REAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, IT IS NOT LIKE THE SPORTS IN USA, WHEN SOMEBODY WINS SOMETHING HERE IN US, YOU SAY WORLD CHAMPION....HAHAHAHA "WORLD" WITHOUT ANY OTHER COUNTRY...USA ONLY!!!
GO REAL, GO SOCCER...GO REAL FOOTBALL!!!
utah rose | 7:39 a.m. Oct. 10, 2008
And you and I are paying for this! With a lousy team anyway! Lets face it, SLC is not a soccer town, and I wish Mayor calhoon who tried to save us the tax dollars would run for governor. If its here "they won;t come"--I'd like to know who could afford the tickets!
A good investment? | 7:42 a.m. Oct. 10, 2008
I was at the game there were some seats in the upper end of the south end zone that were not filled, but of the reset of the stadium was packed. I think the stadium was at least as good as investing as what I did with my 401K which I put in the stock market or the 17% social security I involuntarily paid the last 30 years. Predicting the value of the investment the government made in this stadium seems a little mute right now.
RE: Anonymous | 7:42 a.m. Oct. 10, 2008
People use the restrooms and go to the concession stands.
RE: Soccer.....Who Cares? | 7:44 a.m. Oct. 10, 2008
You obviously do since you read the article and took the time to comment on it.
To Anonymous | 7:51 a.m. Oct. 10, 2008
When you go to a game you never go to the concession stands or have to take your kid to the bathroom I suppose? The place was packed, just because everyone was'nt in their seat every moment of the game does'nt mean the attendance was poor.
Why are so many bloggers so intent on hating Real? I don't think people would be reacting this way if you did'nt see soccer as some kind of threat. Are you afraid that Real will be more popular than Jazz basketball, or BYU football, and so you have to run out to the blog pages and write hatefull messages?
Why are so many bloggers so intent on hating Real? I don't think people would be reacting this way if you did'nt see soccer as some kind of threat. Are you afraid that Real will be more popular than Jazz basketball, or BYU football, and so you have to run out to the blog pages and write hatefull messages?
Nerves | 7:55 a.m. Oct. 10, 2008
It is truly a shame that Espindola was'nt available for this game. I think things would have turned out better with the Espi Deuchar combo to start the game.
County resident | 8:01 a.m. Oct. 10, 2008
Sell out Crowd? I agree. Checketts sells tickets, gives away tickets and hence there are no tickets left so it is a "sellout." It is another thing to have everyone show up. I was more like 20,000 tickets "sold" and 12,000 (or less) actually showed up. Likely most at the game actually paid for tickets and not very many of the freebies showed up (except the public officials who likely picked up freebies, especially those that got the deal done.)
attendance | 8:02 a.m. Oct. 10, 2008
I was there, upper deck, great game. I love the new stadium - it seemed every seat had a great view of the action.
There were plenty of empty seats throughout the stadium, maybe 5-10%. I think the cold wind may have helped keep people away.
Can't wait until next year's summer games!
There were plenty of empty seats throughout the stadium, maybe 5-10%. I think the cold wind may have helped keep people away.
Can't wait until next year's summer games!
Re: Who Cares | 8:04 a.m. Oct. 10, 2008
What a pitiful life you live and deluded, to have to sit and rip on soccer. No matter how you look at it soccer is the biggest sport in the world. All sports have their advantages but the simplest fact is that you enjoy the ones you understand the best.
As far as the crowd goes it needs to be known that there were a few empty seats but I think a lot of that was people who can afford to buy tickets but not show up and not worry about giving them away. I was at the game with two of my kids that is four seats that I did not pay for but people gave me their tickets to use.
As far as the crowd goes it needs to be known that there were a few empty seats but I think a lot of that was people who can afford to buy tickets but not show up and not worry about giving them away. I was at the game with two of my kids that is four seats that I did not pay for but people gave me their tickets to use.
FC Dallas Fan | 8:06 a.m. Oct. 10, 2008
Congratulations on your new stadium! It looks beautiful and the people of Salt Lake could feel happy with such a nice venue.
Can't wait for next next week's game. Too bad the second game in the new stadium will be a loss to FC Dallas :) Go FC Dallas! This is our chance to secure a playoff spot!
Can't wait for next next week's game. Too bad the second game in the new stadium will be a loss to FC Dallas :) Go FC Dallas! This is our chance to secure a playoff spot!
To Anonymous @ 6:36 | 8:07 a.m. Oct. 10, 2008
"tons and tons of empty seats?"
The place was packed.
I think you are reporting your wishes as if they really happened.
The only "Big Mistake" was your, shall we say, somewhat less than accurate post.
The place was packed.
I think you are reporting your wishes as if they really happened.
The only "Big Mistake" was your, shall we say, somewhat less than accurate post.
Brad Shelton | 8:11 a.m. Oct. 10, 2008
Great Opener! Only a win would have made it better but "koodos" to the organization for delivering us a World Class Venue. It looked great on T.V.
Soccer | 8:11 a.m. Oct. 10, 2008
A worthless tie? Soccer is so lame!
Jason | 8:13 a.m. Oct. 10, 2008
I was there. Great environment. I'm sure the team is disapointed not getting a win on opening night of the stadium. Stadium was packed. I was suprised how many people walked around watching the game instead of siting in seats. There are so many great viewpoints from the concourse areas. Should be a great time again on the 18th.
Big Shocker | 8:17 a.m. Oct. 10, 2008
1-1 Draw, how exciting.
Anonymous | 8:23 a.m. Oct. 10, 2008
Love the new stadium. Great atmosphere there. Maybe for the next game they can order more food. Before the begining of the game they ran out of hotdogs and pizza, by half time they were out of popcorn tubs and who knows what else. That's alright, we did not go out there for the food.
It did look a little empty for a sell out, but there did not appear to be a bad seat in the house. I would recommend to anyone, soccer fan or not, go try out the new stadium!
Not sure if it was just me but as we were leaving the game it seems like Sandy City has the best looking female police officers in the state, maybe male to but I was noticing that. All the soccer fans watching them direct traffic may not have helped. I must say they Sandy did a great job getting cars in and out all things considered.
Overall nice job Dave C!
It did look a little empty for a sell out, but there did not appear to be a bad seat in the house. I would recommend to anyone, soccer fan or not, go try out the new stadium!
Not sure if it was just me but as we were leaving the game it seems like Sandy City has the best looking female police officers in the state, maybe male to but I was noticing that. All the soccer fans watching them direct traffic may not have helped. I must say they Sandy did a great job getting cars in and out all things considered.
Overall nice job Dave C!
soccer is a joke | 8:25 a.m. Oct. 10, 2008
what a waste of money going into that stadium. millions of dollars that could have gone towards something worthwhile. soccers not even a real sport. who wants to watch a sport where the average score is 2-1 or something low and unproductive as that. the only good thing that came out of the building of this stadium is that REAL wont be botching up rice eccles stadium anymore with those ugly yellow circles and lines all over the field.
Re: Soccer Haters | 9:00 a.m. Oct. 10, 2008
To the soccer haters, please get your facts straight. Your tax money is not being used for the stadium unless you live in a hotel room. The money is coming from the transitory tax on people who stay in hotel rooms.
I agree with the comment to the soccer haters that if you hate soccer so much why take the time to read the article or comment on it?
It looks like Real is here to stay and there is nothing you can do about it! You may live in a bubble where you think soccer is irrelevant, but go anywhere else in the world and you will see that all other sports are really irrelevant except here in the US.
I agree with the comment to the soccer haters that if you hate soccer so much why take the time to read the article or comment on it?
It looks like Real is here to stay and there is nothing you can do about it! You may live in a bubble where you think soccer is irrelevant, but go anywhere else in the world and you will see that all other sports are really irrelevant except here in the US.
Apparently you care | 9:06 a.m. Oct. 10, 2008
Seriously - you cared enough to read the article and then comment about it. You are probably the same type of person that reads an article and then blogs "this is not news.". Ridiculous and funny.
Soccer is gaining tons of momentum in the US. If baseball can make it in the US, soccer will be HUGE before long. Why do you consider a no-hitter in baseball exciting but a low scoring soccer game boring? Ignorance.
Soccer is gaining tons of momentum in the US. If baseball can make it in the US, soccer will be HUGE before long. Why do you consider a no-hitter in baseball exciting but a low scoring soccer game boring? Ignorance.
Soccer Fan | 9:10 a.m. Oct. 10, 2008
Anyone want to talk about empty seats?? Next season go check out a Bees game. That's the franchise I'd be worried about surviving in Utah.
spectacular switch-the-field pas | 9:13 a.m. Oct. 10, 2008
thanks Edwards, i was at the game and didn't see a replay to catch who it was who made that awesome pass.
to "soccer.. who cares", that pass was the equivalent of a triple in baseball or a 50 yard pass in throwball. too bad you dont understand the sport well enough to appreciate it.
and as for the attendance, again i was there and it was definitely sold out, didnt see an unoccupied seat all night.
and as for ticket prices, i paid 18$ to sit in the north end, and there's not a bad seat in the house. cheaper than most events around town.
to "soccer.. who cares", that pass was the equivalent of a triple in baseball or a 50 yard pass in throwball. too bad you dont understand the sport well enough to appreciate it.
and as for the attendance, again i was there and it was definitely sold out, didnt see an unoccupied seat all night.
and as for ticket prices, i paid 18$ to sit in the north end, and there's not a bad seat in the house. cheaper than most events around town.
WOW | 9:19 a.m. Oct. 10, 2008
a Tie!!! what excitement. Kind of like going to a 'who-done-it' movie and right when they are about to reveal the culprit the movie ends. WHO CARES WHAT THE WHOLE WORLD THINKS, SOCCER IS STILL NOT A SPORT.
Tie game - Lame sport | 9:24 a.m. Oct. 10, 2008
Do you need any more evidence as to why soccer doesn't work in America?
Three hours of running around, faking injuries and the net result is a TIE GAME. TIE GAME!!! What an absolutely ridiculous sport.
What a waste of $160 million. Joke...
Three hours of running around, faking injuries and the net result is a TIE GAME. TIE GAME!!! What an absolutely ridiculous sport.
What a waste of $160 million. Joke...
Go RSL!! | 9:27 a.m. Oct. 10, 2008
This was a great game. NY played well and are a quality team. We may not have played the best, but it was a great event and next week will be amazing as well.
We aaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeee Real Salt Lake!
We aaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeee Real Salt Lake!
Just announced | 9:27 a.m. Oct. 10, 2008
Can't wait to see Arsenal v Liverpool here next year !!
Go Gooners !!!
Go Gooners !!!
Haha...haters | 9:35 a.m. Oct. 10, 2008
Silly little boys.
The game was awesome. Parking was great, shuttles were quick, carnival Real was fun, the food was good, and the crowd loud.
I would say SLC is a perfect soccer town. Thanks Checketts and Huntsman...we owe you one.
The game was awesome. Parking was great, shuttles were quick, carnival Real was fun, the food was good, and the crowd loud.
I would say SLC is a perfect soccer town. Thanks Checketts and Huntsman...we owe you one.
It is here...get over it! | 9:38 a.m. Oct. 10, 2008
(Part 1) We don't need to score more goals, fill the seats to capacity, or express how soccer is viewed around the rest of the world. We have to accept that our culture accepts/encourages diversity. Those of you that are hating on the stadium because it is a soccer specific stadium are just haters. Before you start knocking the stadium, go to the web site and see that rugby and football are on the docket. Also, do your homework; Utah has more kids playing soccer per ca pita than nearly every other state. You are telling these kids that they can't dream of one day playing in the "Rio Tinto?" Let's look at the big picture...
...The restaurants across the street were packed! The kids were in an environment that allows them to dream. And those that have invested their lives to their passion of soccer were rewarded.
(to be continued)
...The restaurants across the street were packed! The kids were in an environment that allows them to dream. And those that have invested their lives to their passion of soccer were rewarded.
(to be continued)
DLP | 9:39 a.m. Oct. 10, 2008
The game was a lot of fun. RSL didn't quite play as well as they are capable of. The stadium was mostly full, but considering the wanderers and late comings or early goings I could see it having had full attendance.
As for the complainers what better use of tourist dollars did you have in mind? FYI the bulk of the funds could not be used for education etc.............GO RSL
As for the complainers what better use of tourist dollars did you have in mind? FYI the bulk of the funds could not be used for education etc.............GO RSL
It is here...get over it! | 9:39 a.m. Oct. 10, 2008
(Part 2) The quality of soccer in the MLS has improved tons over the last 10 years, they are finding ways to develop the star power to generate more interest. In 10 years the MLS will not be taking over the country, but the way that youth soccer is growing and the adults are learning about the excitement and difficulty of a "switch the field pass" is one day going to be as exciting as D.Williams no look pass. Soccer is going to catch fire in this state. It is here, let's embrace it, enjoy it and maybe when there is enough interest for an NFL team in this state, we will expand. But for now, lets stop the complaining and enjoy the culture and diversity of our beautiful state.
It's here, enjoy it or don't...but get over it, it is here and so is Real Salt Lake.
It's here, enjoy it or don't...but get over it, it is here and so is Real Salt Lake.
RE: Soccer haters | 9:42 a.m. Oct. 10, 2008
"go anywhere else in the world, and you will see that all other sports are really really irrelevant except her in the US"
What? Did that sentence make any sense. I agree we do live in a bubble. It's called the United States. No one goes to soccer games here. Where do you live?
What? Did that sentence make any sense. I agree we do live in a bubble. It's called the United States. No one goes to soccer games here. Where do you live?
Re: Anonymous | 9:52 a.m. Oct. 10, 2008
Hmmm ... nice facts.
"Before the begining of the game they ran out of hotdogs and pizza" -- they must have ordered more when I got a hotdog, nachos, and pizza in the second half.
Also, many people with little kids left because after all ... it was 45 degrees and windy.
To anyone that is interested -- the place was AWESOME. Inside the stadium is INCREDIBLE. The lighting is amazing, the field looks fantastic. Let the whiners whine, after all they are complaining about a sport and team they supposedly don't care about.
"Before the begining of the game they ran out of hotdogs and pizza" -- they must have ordered more when I got a hotdog, nachos, and pizza in the second half.
Also, many people with little kids left because after all ... it was 45 degrees and windy.
To anyone that is interested -- the place was AWESOME. Inside the stadium is INCREDIBLE. The lighting is amazing, the field looks fantastic. Let the whiners whine, after all they are complaining about a sport and team they supposedly don't care about.
The Stadium | 10:02 a.m. Oct. 10, 2008
was absolutely beautiful!!! The bright red seats, the velvety green grass, the crystal clear giant Sony jumbo tron with the lit up US, Utah, and Real flags overhead and the crowd roaring. It was a stunning setting! Olave's goal, the first Real goal in Stadium history, was something that I won't forget. It was disappointing to the players and fans to get a tie, but I fully expect Real to regroup and come out and dominate Dallas next week now that the ice is broken on the new Stadium. Go RSL!
Re: WOW | 10:09 a.m. Oct. 10, 2008
Your right baseball is a sport, so is NASCAR, and so is sitting around shooting wild animals with a high powered rifle with a scope on it.
Re: Tie game - Lame sport | 10:14 a.m. Oct. 10, 2008
Not sure what game you watched...the one I watched was 90 mins plus 5 mins of stoppage time for the injuries. Overall, in and out in 2 hours! You'd still be in the first half of a throwball game. Possibly a 7-3 game. That is 1 touchdown, and a field goal if your lucky. So lets call it for the sake of argument 1 goal and a PK. I've seen football games like that before.
Some people like to call it defense.
Some people like to call it defense.
Losers | 10:19 a.m. Oct. 10, 2008
I cannot imagine ever going out of my way to read an article about Synchronized Swimming and then taking time out of my busy day to log hate filled comments about how lame the sport is, how boring it is, and making blanket statement about how anyone who possible likes it is a moron (even if it is tens of millions of people worldwide).
You go.
You go.
Great Fun! | 10:34 a.m. Oct. 10, 2008
As a diehard first and foremost American football fan, I loved the entire experience last night! We just need a better product on the field!
The stadium, the crowd, the entire experience was first rate! I enjoyed it. I didn't experience the problem with food. There are so many great places to eat and many had full lines.
There were empty seats, but not nearly as many as some have reported. Will the stadium fill up every week? Of course not, but having that type of venue for soccer will give soccer fans something to enjoy and be proud of.
To all you bitter prunes who can't let someone enjoy something that isn't your passion, I pity you fools!
The stadium, the crowd, the entire experience was first rate! I enjoyed it. I didn't experience the problem with food. There are so many great places to eat and many had full lines.
There were empty seats, but not nearly as many as some have reported. Will the stadium fill up every week? Of course not, but having that type of venue for soccer will give soccer fans something to enjoy and be proud of.
To all you bitter prunes who can't let someone enjoy something that isn't your passion, I pity you fools!
JVC-RSL | 10:36 a.m. Oct. 10, 2008
Incredible stadium. Photos do not do it justice. I can't wait till the Dallas match, so I can get their earlier and see more of the stadium in daylight. The atmosphere was brilliant. Hopefully Espy will be back for that one. I agree about Williams, he was sorely missed in the middle today.
Ivan | 11:14 a.m. Oct. 10, 2008
I envy Salt Lake people. They have a beautiful venue to enjoy the beautiful game. Game was very tight, hotly contested, which was expected considering what's at stake. Bottom line, that's how MLS should go: building stadium after stadium, solidifying the fan base, and improving the quality of play. New York Red Bull's stadium is the next stadium scheduled to open a year from now! MLS will be a top 3 professional sports league in this country in about 20 years.
soccer is great | 11:20 a.m. Oct. 10, 2008
Soccer allows girls and boys of all abilities to play together. Even very unathletic types can play.
Also, you can fake an injury when you get tired. Also, a tie game allows everyone to go home and not feel like a "loser". Heaven forbid, we don't want anyone losing or winning. Those kind of things hurt people's feelings.
Also, you can fake an injury when you get tired. Also, a tie game allows everyone to go home and not feel like a "loser". Heaven forbid, we don't want anyone losing or winning. Those kind of things hurt people's feelings.
CougarKeith | 11:42 a.m. Oct. 10, 2008
For the Nay-Sayers of Soccer in general, let me first say I AM NOT a big soccer fan, although I enjoy indoor soccer because of the speed of the game.
Think about this: Women hate sports why? Because they don't understand it, they don't know the rules or strategies, therefore it is "Boring", and so they DON'T Like it. How about men who don't like Soccer? Do you understand the rules, how off-sides in soccer works? These things make a huge difference in your enjoyment and love of the game. If you don't understand why the whistle was blown and play was stopped, it's aggravating. If you know the rules and strategies the game Can suddenly be interesting. Personally I don't like the limited time there is REAL ACTION in an outdoor game. Learn the rules and soccer can become more enjoyable. I urge everyone to learn the rules, and I would suggest that "Real Salt Lake" possibly hold classes around the area by players and coaches who can put on a FREE SEMINAR to explain the game better, what is off-sides, and corner kicks and fouls and penalties, yellow & red cards and how the game is timed!
Think about this: Women hate sports why? Because they don't understand it, they don't know the rules or strategies, therefore it is "Boring", and so they DON'T Like it. How about men who don't like Soccer? Do you understand the rules, how off-sides in soccer works? These things make a huge difference in your enjoyment and love of the game. If you don't understand why the whistle was blown and play was stopped, it's aggravating. If you know the rules and strategies the game Can suddenly be interesting. Personally I don't like the limited time there is REAL ACTION in an outdoor game. Learn the rules and soccer can become more enjoyable. I urge everyone to learn the rules, and I would suggest that "Real Salt Lake" possibly hold classes around the area by players and coaches who can put on a FREE SEMINAR to explain the game better, what is off-sides, and corner kicks and fouls and penalties, yellow & red cards and how the game is timed!
To Soccer and Real lovers | 11:50 a.m. Oct. 10, 2008
We haters didn't read the article. We don't have to. We already know how lame soccer is, with or without a new taxpayer funded stadium. We just add our negative comments to get under your skin. It appears to be working. Besides, we are taxpayers and have the obligation to speak out when our taxes are WASTED!
Simpson | 11:57 a.m. Oct. 10, 2008
Fast Kickin', Low Scorin', and Ties - Ties - Ties!!!
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I am a true fan of AAA Baseball, and when I lived on the west coast I attended many games. Seattle (way back) Tacoma, Phoenix, Portland and Las Vegas.
In order to be successful in America they are going to have to find a way to score more points. Different ways and different amounts like Basketball and Football. Right now it is just to slow and boring for most Americans. However it should not be a glut of points like Arena Football, where scoring a Touchdown becomes boring. I have only see the sport on TV so it may be different in person.
I think Team Handball would go good in America both men and women or mixed. It is a sport short quick people can play. I thought it was the neatest event of the Summer Games.
Remember that a good ticket is a cheap ticket, along with fairly priced snacks.