On RSL, Winning and Keeping Track
Maybe we overrate the ups and downs of sports; assume winning is everything.
I’m not casting doubts about the dedication of Real Salt Lake midfielder Kyle Beckerman. He seems to put everything into his game. But talking with him this week, I asked about the part of the season when RSL went six weeks without winning a game.
Even then, he was having fun.
I said, “It must have seemed at times when it (playing soccer) wasn’t much fun.”
“No, no, no,” he said. “It’s always fun, always fun. Winning and losing is part of the game. It’s part of this league. You’re gonna win some games and lose some games.”
He wasn’t saying he doesn’t appreciate winning. He was pointing out that it’s still a dream job. And that thinking you will win EVERY game is probably a little silly.
I tend to agree with him.
For all the talk about Michael Jordan needing to win every night, I’m pretty sure he would have played in the NBA even if he didn’t win all those titles.
On the other hand, it’s Jason Kreis I worry about.
That man is wound really, really tight.
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Jody Genessy did an interesting piece in the paper this morning, detailing how Jazz players were largely unaware RSL is playing for a championship.
I don’t consider that an indictment. As the saying goes, they’ve got other fish to fry.
My experience with RSL players is that they aren’t all that aware of what’s going on with the Jazz, either. They know who the Jazz are, but it’s not like they’re fanatics.
When you’ve got a job to do, you’re not necessarily tending to someone else’s.
Another factor is the overlapping seasons. When the Jazz are in the playoffs, RSL is in the early part of its season, and when the Jazz start playing, RSL is just heading toward the post-season. It’s hard to keep track.
I figure it’s a little like me knowing what’s going on at the local sports radio stations or maybe City Weekly.
Yeah, I’m aware of them, catch them as often as I can, and even hear some stuff.
But it’s a different job.
I’ve got my own job to worry about.