MLS

SANDY — While Real Salt Lake didn’t pick up a full three points on Wednesday night, it certainly took a strong step forward.

It's time for Real Salt Lake to get back to work.

With the lengthy international window at last in the rearview mirror, RSL looks to keep the momentum at its back as it gears up for a key five-match, 19-day stretch that culminates with a Sandy showdown against Seattle.

NEW YORK -- Real Salt Lake will join MLS champion Los Angeles Galaxy and three other league teams will play in the 2012-13 CONCACAF Champions League.

The group stage draw was held Tuesday, with each of the MLS teams in different groups. The stage begins July 31.

Not too long after Real Salt Lake was unceremoniously dumped in its U.S. Open Cup tilt, coach Jason Kreis issued a near ultimatum, and a pair of long time veterans vented their frustrations at a dismal on-field effort.

"We will go back to the drawing board, and we'll make sure that everybody on my squad right now recognizes that there is only one way to play here, and that's to give your best, and if you're not going to, you need to stand up and move aside," Kreis said. "The coaching staff is waiting for me as well as the trainers. We are going to look at the next 2 ¬½ weeks. I've said this once before in my coaching career and I'll say it now ... I would not want to be a player under me right now."

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1. Real Salt Lake (1) Got a win with a less-than-full-strength lineup despite a shocking error by GK Kyle Reynish.

When Alvaro Saborio calmly headed home Terukazu Tanaka's cross from the corner, Real Salt Lake looked to have taken firm command of its clash with FC Dallas after a fairly uninspiring opening hour.

A goal advantage against the rapidly sinking Hoops in the friendly confines of Rio Tinto Stadium, was a seemingly safe bet with just a half-hour to play.

SANDY --With two weeks gone by since Real Salt Lake's scintillating road win at rival Seattle, the Utah side is ready to get back to business.

Real hosts longtime Western Conference rival FC Dallas tonight at 7 p.m. inside the friendly confines of Rio Tinto Stadium, a match that in most seasons would have massive implications on the table.

While RSL (8-3-2, 26 points) trails table leader San Jose by a single point in even matches played, Dallas has come undone at the seams though its first 14 matches with injury and misfortune.