Real Salt Lake

Real Salt Lake is a Major League Soccer franchise located in Salt Lake City, Utah that began playing in MLS in 2005. The team will initially play its home games at the University of Utah's Rice-Eccles Stadium, although numerous communities in the area have expressed interest in building the team a soccer-specific stadium.

Related Topics:
Major League Soccer - Salt Lake City - Utah - 2005 - University of Utah - Rice-Eccles Stadium - Soccer-specific stadium

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The club is owned by Dave Checketts, whose desire to attach his team to a successful soccer club, Real Madrid, as well as to develop a brand that clearly connoted 'soccer', was the inspiration for the name. Fan support for the name, however, has not been positive, as rumors that the name would be Real Salt Lake were largely met with derision and pessimism. Many people felt the name should more accurately reflect the Salt Lake area, particularly as the city's other professional team, the Utah Jazz of the NBA, does not. Although it is yet to be seen how both the American and European media respond to this highly unconventional name, there has been little derision or disapproval so far.

Related Topics:
Dave Checketts - Real Madrid - Utah Jazz - NBA

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Their first head coach is John Ellinger, former coach of the Under-17 United States national team and the head of USSF's Bradenton Academy.

Related Topics:
John Ellinger - United States national team - USSF - Bradenton Academy

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Salt Lake City was formerly home to the USL Second Division's Utah Blitzz, who folded about the time Real Salt Lake formed. The Blitzz had won the USLSD's championship in their final year of existence.

Related Topics:
USL Second Division - Utah Blitzz

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Real Salt Lake's major rival is the Colorado Rapids. Every year, the two teams compete in the Rocky Mountain Cup, which goes to the team that wins the season series between the two clubs. Currently the club has three fan clubs known as The Loyalists, the Rogue Cavaliers Brigade (RCB) and The Jesters.

Related Topics:
Colorado Rapids - Rocky Mountain Cup

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