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Utah soccer fans are on cloud nine. Saturday, Real Salt Lake hosts its first-ever playoff game. The match represents the high point, so far, for a franchise that's seen more than its share of struggles.
For fans this Halloween, it's no trick. The treat is Real Salt Lake playoff tickets for a game in the brand new Rio Tinto stadium.
"I think the community has always been behind the team, but it's getting a lot better. We're getting a lot more people coming out and supporting them, and I'm hoping the stadium is packed tomorrow for the playoff game," RSL fan Steve White said.
RSL fan Victor "Ivan" Munoz said, "We moved from New York City. We came to see the new stadium. We're very fans of soccer, and I guess I'm gonna change my team now. It's going to be Salt Lake City, Utah."
The team has fought through adversity to get here: uncertainty and controversy about its future and about its stadium, losing seasons and heartbreaking losses.
Things changed this year, capped by last weekend's goal in Colorado that booted Real through to the postseason and perhaps other future, potentially lucrative, tournaments.
RSL goalkeeper Nick Rimando said, "It's huge for the franchise. It's huge for soccer in this city."
"It's a big step," RSL midfielder Andy Williams said. "It's great having the stadium and opening it up with a playoff game this year."
"It opens up a world of possibilities for us," said RSL spokesman Trey Fitz-Gerald.
If RSL gets through the first round, the team could even host a second playoff game. It's something fans say they're more than ready for.
"We've been impressed with how well the team has done. They've really, really, really impressed us," RSL fan James White said.
Team officials say there are still plenty of tickets available. To get yours, click the related link to the right of the story.
E-mail: jdaley@ksl.com
