RSL Hoping Playoff Run Leads To More Tournament Competition

Real Salt Lake Hopes First Playoff  Appearance Will Pave Way For More Revenues

By qualifying for the MLS Playoffs, Real Salt Lake (RSL) has "put itself in position to make perhaps millions of dollars by competing in tournaments that supplement the usual league schedule over the next year and a half," according to Michael Lewis of the SALT LAKE TRIBUNE. The team is "hoping to play in either the CONCACAF Champions League or the SuperLiga tournament, depending on how it fares in the playoffs." RSL ultimately could play as many as "seven additional home games -- with all their attendant revenue in new Rio Tinto Stadium -- though fewer is more likely." RSL GM Garth Lagerwey: "We can bring in great teams like Real Madrid for friendlies ... but what people want to see is meaningful games, and that's what SuperLiga and Champions League games are." Meanwhile, Lewis reports MLS is "considering changes to the selection criteria that could be announced next month, perhaps assuring that playoff teams that don't reach the Champions League mostly will wind up in the SuperLiga, potentially assuring RSL a spot in that tournament" (SALT LAKE TRIBUNE, 10/31).