What Is 2010 Real Salt Lake season

Overview

The 2010 season marked a historic year for Real Salt Lake, as the club achieved its best performance in franchise history up to that point. Competing in Major League Soccer’s Western Conference, RSL posted a 12–10–8 record, earning 46 points and finishing second in the conference standings.

Under the leadership of head coach Jason Kreis, the team combined strong defense with opportunistic scoring, advancing deep into the playoffs. Their run culminated in an appearance in the MLS Cup final, a first for the club, despite falling 1–0 to FC Dallas on November 21, 2010.

• Regular season record: Real Salt Lake won 12 games, lost 10, and tied 8 during the 2010 MLS regular season.
• Home stadium: The team played all home matches at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah, drawing an average attendance of over 15,000 per game.
• Playoff run: RSL defeated the Columbus Crew and the LA Galaxy in the playoffs to reach the MLS Cup final for the first time in club history.
• MLS Cup final: The championship match ended in a 1–0 loss to FC Dallas at BMO Field in Toronto on November 21, 2010.
• Top scorer:Álvaro Saborío led the team with 12 goals during the regular season, earning a spot on the MLS Best XI.

Performance & Playoffs

The 2010 campaign showcased Real Salt Lake’s tactical discipline and resilience, particularly in high-pressure playoff games. The team advanced through the postseason with a combination of solid defending and timely goals, capturing national attention.

• Regular season finish: RSL secured second place in the Western Conference with 46 points, just behind the LA Galaxy.
• Defensive strength: The team allowed only 29 goals in 30 games, one of the league’s best defensive records.
• Midfield leadership:Javier Morales recorded 9 assists, demonstrating his importance in controlling the pace of games.
• Goalkeeper performance:Nick Rimando made 95 saves and posted 10 clean sheets during the regular season.
• Playoff victories: RSL defeated Columbus Crew 2–1 on aggregate and the LA Galaxy 3–1 on aggregate to reach the final.
• MLS Cup final: Despite dominating possession, Real Salt Lake failed to score and lost to a David Ferreira goal in the 75th minute.

Comparison at a Glance

How the 2010 season compared to previous and following years:

The 2010 season stands out as a peak in RSL’s early history, surpassing previous point totals and playoff achievements. While the team remained competitive in 2011, no subsequent season matched the combination of regular season success and deep playoff advancement seen in 2010.

Why It Matters

The 2010 season was a turning point for Real Salt Lake, establishing the club as a legitimate contender in MLS and boosting soccer’s popularity in Utah. The deep playoff run increased national media coverage and strengthened fan engagement.

• Franchise milestone: Reaching the MLS Cup final for the first time elevated RSL’s status within the league.
• Attendance growth: Average home attendance rose to 15,185, reflecting growing local support.
• Player recognition: Nick Rimando and Álvaro Saborío earned MLS Best XI honors, highlighting individual excellence.
• Development model: The team’s success validated RSL’s investment in youth academies and smart player acquisitions.
• Regional impact: The season helped solidify soccer as a major sport in the Intermountain West.
• Legacy: Though they didn’t win the title, the 2010 run laid the foundation for future competitiveness and fan loyalty.

Ultimately, the 2010 Real Salt Lake season remains a benchmark in club history—a year of breakthrough performances, narrow defeats, and enduring pride for supporters.