Real Salt Lake turns up the defensive heat

Who would've guessed a Real Salt Lake team that allowed 11 goals in its first six matches this year — only one of which was a win — would be one of the best defensive teams in Major League Soccer by midseason? It would've been a laughable suggestion in early May, but heading into this weekend's MLS All-Star Game, it's a reality. RSL is tied for second in goals against (19), second in goals-against average (1.06) and first in shutouts (7). Nick Rimando, who has been in goal every minute this year, already owns a 284-minute scoreless streak this season, and he's in the midst of a 271-minute scoreless streak — 23 minutes shy of Kansas City's season high. With three straight shutouts, Real Salt Lake has only allowed two goals in its past eight matches. It's the best defensive stretch in MLS this year and one of the best in recent... [read full story]