With the news today that Kyle Beckerman has retired, I am left reflecting on an era of Real Salt Lake that we have now completely exited — an era that was the hope we clung to, year after year.
11 years after our MLS Cup win in Seattle, and seven years after our MLS Cup loss in Sporting Kansas City, Beckerman’s retirement announces that end somewhat forcefully.
But when we discuss ‘eras’ at Real Salt Lake, I suspect we should separate them somewhat. I propose the following:
- 2005 to 2007: The rough, early years — we were inescapably bad in what was a sputtering start to our life as a club.