RSL fall short; Dempsey sets record

Last night, a single defensive lapse in the box by Real Salt Lake kept them from continental glory.

Chilean international Humberto Suazo, Monterrey's top striker, was able to put one home from 15 feet off a give-and-go during first half stoppage time, giving Los Rayados the 1-0 victory (3-2 aggregate) in the CONCACAF Champions League final.  Mexican clubs continue their run of titles, preventing Real from becoming the first American team to reach the Club World Cup.

RSL's Will Johnson helped his club dominate
possession throughout the night, but it wasn't
enough.

Salt Lake dominated possession from the get-go, rarely relenting on the offensive pressure met calmly from the Mexicans.  Captain Kyle Beckerman watched from the GM suite (yellow card accumulation), but I don't think it would have made a huge difference.  He was no more likely to get one of RSL's many crosses to end up in the back of the net.  They simply couldn't capitalize (even when all they needed was a 1-1 draw for the title).  Both teams made few mistakes on defense--but Monterrey took advantage, and have a Champions League trophy to show for it.

I, like many neutral or non-RSL fans, rooted for the Royals like they were my own children.  What a North American title and a trip to the Club World Cup would have done for us... I guess there's no point in even bothering with the "what-ifs."  But many agree that simply reaching this point was HUGE for American soccer, and that it will hopefully push other clubs to take the tournament just as seriously.  LA Galaxy, Colorado, Dallas, and Seattle will be in the next Champions League (beginning later this summer), and hopefully they'll follow suit.

Clint Dempsey

Well on his way to being the most successful American soccer player in European history, our beloved superstar winger has made headlines again.

Clint Dempsey being fucking awesome.

Not only did his brace against Bolton Wanderers lead Fulham (now safe from relegation) to a 3-0 victory, but it catapulted him over compatriot Brian McBride for the team record for career goals in the EPL, with 33.  Last month, he became the first American in the EPL to score 10 goals in a season, a record also held previously by McBride (9, twice).

And talking about Bolton just brings me back to the Stuart Holden injury, which reminds me to get off my ass and get back to that Jonny Evans hate mail.  Christ, this post has been an emotional rollercoaster. 

Here are Clint's two goals: