2010 Real Salt Lake Home – Large

The 2010 season was one of the most impressive in Real Salt Lake history, as the club built on its 2009 MLS Cup triumph and established itself as one of the most dominant teams in the league.

• Competition: Major League Soccer (Western Conference)

• Record: 15 wins, 11 draws, 4 losses – 56 points, finishing 2nd in the Western Conference and 2nd overall in MLS, just one point behind the LA Galaxy.

• Key Achievements:

  • Set a then-MLS record for the fewest goals conceded in a 30-game season (20).

  • Went 14 matches unbeaten at home, turning Rio Tinto Stadium into one of the toughest venues in the league.

  • Qualified for the 2010–11 CONCACAF Champions League, marking their debut in international competition.

• MLS Cup Playoffs:

  • Eliminated in the Conference Semifinals by FC Dallas (3–2 on aggregate). Despite the early exit, RSL’s consistency and fluid play were widely praised.

• Key Storyline:
  Under head coach Jason Kreis, RSL played some of the most attractive football in MLS, built around possession, teamwork, and tactical discipline. The squad’s chemistry and home dominance made them one of the most respected teams in the league.

• Kit: The 2010 Real Salt Lake home jersey, made by Adidas, featured the club’s classic claret red with cobalt blue sleeves, accented with yellow piping. It was bold yet clean, embodying the club’s growing confidence and elite status in MLS.

2. Player’s Impact – Team Highlights

While there was no single superstar, the 2010 Real Salt Lake team was defined by balance, unity, and several standout performers:

• Álvaro Saborío: Top scorer with 12 goals, joining the club on loan from FC Sion and immediately becoming a fan favorite.

• Javier Morales: The creative heartbeat of the team, providing 9 goals and 6 assists as RSL’s midfield maestro.

• Kyle Beckerman (Captain): Anchored the midfield, providing leadership and consistency.

• Nick Rimando: Exceptional between the posts, posting 14 clean sheets — a career-best and league-leading total.

• Nat Borchers and Jamison Olave: Formed arguably the best central defensive partnership in MLS that season.

This collective performance earned RSL a reputation as “The Team is the Star”, emphasizing tactical balance and chemistry over individual stardom.

3. Full Squad List – Real Salt Lake 2010

Manager: Jason Kreis

Goalkeepers:

• Nick Rimando

• Kyle Reynish

Defenders:

• Jamison Olave

• Nat Borchers

• Chris Wingert

• Robbie Russell

• Tony Beltran

• Rauwshan McKenzie

• David Horst

Midfielders:

• Kyle Beckerman (Captain)

• Javier Morales

• Ned Grabavoy

• Will Johnson

• Andy Williams

• Nelson González

• Collen Warner

• Jean Alexandre

Forwards:

• Álvaro Saborío

• Fabian Espíndola

• Robbie Findley

• Paulo Araujo Jr.

• Pablo Campos