No Galacticos…
As some of you may already know, news came down today that Real Madrid will not be making their previously planned U.S. tour this summer and, therefore, their scheduled return to Salt Lake City this August will not be happening. There is no way around it, that’s a bummer. As you can imagine, most of us here in the office are pretty disappointed by this development. Real Madrid is a world soccer superpower and we were all looking forward to seeing the brightest stars of our sport as they invaded the pitch at Rice-Eccles Stadium. We are optimistic that we could see “Los Galacticos” back in Salt Lake City next summer at our new stadium in Sandy.
What does that mean for this season, however? Don’t worry, we’re in good hands. Bill, Garth and SCP are in serious talks to bring in other first division clubs from around the world (things are still hush-hush and we don’t have any specific details, but from what we hear, it’ll be good.) This is a global game and, as unfortunate as it is to hear Madrid won’t be here, this allows us to go in new and exciting directions. We could potentially see multiple world-class squads come through the Wasatch Front in each of the next few years.
16 May 2008 RSL HQ
Figures
How about contacting Barcelona. They’re going to tour the U.S. and I’m sure they’d like to stick it in the eye of their rivals who boged out on their commitment.
What did RSL expect from Real Madrid, a club who supported and was supported by Franco and his supporters, one of the most ruthless dictators around. Maybe now RSL will change its name to not honor such a low class club.
How about forgetting about the midseason diversion. Win league games that matter. The win v. Everton isn’t helping anything with anything that matters.
Win over Boston not Boca or Barca.
Win over Texas not Mexico.
Win over California not the Caribbean.
It’s the fastest way to credibility.
This really sucks. They should look up Barca though.
Hmmmm. . . I wonder if this cancellation had anything to do with the recent announcement of Barca’s partnership with MLS. The timing just seems too ironic to be happenstance. I think MLS should recognize RSL and send Barca to Salt Lake.
I’d love to see them in DC near where I live, but I think it’s only fair to reward the Salt Lake market who has weathered many storms to support an MLS side that has struggled on and off the field to gain credibility despite pioneering in terms of a partnership with a European soccer power, jersey branding, and a youth academy.
Checketts didn’t know much about soccer in the beginning, but he’s taken strategic risks to build a great foundation for RSL. How about a little love from the league office?
Since Barca has plans already for a US tour this summer (NY, Chicago…) probably not them.
Wow. UnReal. First we suck, now this.
I feel much worse about losing to the Rapids than this loss. Hopefully we can focus more on winning our season games. I understand there is money involved, but improving the product on the field will bring in more revenue in the long run.
Not having Real Madrid come isn’t that big of a loss, there are a bunch of teams just as talanted and big named. To see a team from a country that hasn’t visited Salt Lake yet would be nice too. May I suggest a team from Italy, Germany or Brazil?
Not a big deal? RSL was mentioned on every national news network in the country for days. It brought in millions to the local economy. It far outsold any other event RSL has attempted to put on.
Maybe we’re all Barcelona fans around here, but Madrid is the best team in the history of football according to FIFA and they have the record to prove it. I hope we bring in some other great teams as well (the front office has surprised me in the past) but it is a big deal. It was announced. It’s still being used as the second bullet to sell season tickets on realsaltlake.com and everyone in RSLland should be seriously disappointed that the organization has messed up a great relationship with a great team.
First of all, the soccerman who posted above is not the real soccerman. He/She is a devious imposter. Secondly, this really sucks, but if RSL has done anything well it is bringing in decent teams for these exhibition matches. Let’s hope they can do it again.
This hurts alot remember what happened last time Madrid was here a few of the biggest developments in RSL history were created first off who helped break ground on our new stadium hmm Real Madrid was there for that and what about the joint youth acadamy I hope that they dont pull out completly on the whole deal.
Mabey we will get to see someone else like Barcalona or even a EPL team Everton was a great match and bringing Boca Jr’s was a great move, I would like to see mabey Rangers or Celtic and what if we could get a cup winner like the UEFA CUP winners FC Zenit St. Petersburg what ever happens this does hurt remember all the press 2 years ago I hope this doesnt get turned around to look bad for RSL!!
Real Madrid took out short term loans from a Spanish bank a couple of months ago to pay off a quickly accumulated debt that they racked up despite being “the richest soccer club in the world”. They publicly stated that they lost a lot of money this past season due to lack of revenue, merchandising, and endorsements, that they directly linked to the departure of one David Beckham. They need cash quickly and with the US Dollar getting a beating from the Euro who can blame them for pulling out of the game with RSL. If they lose money in the off season that means less money to throw around for player transfers and big signings. I think this was a business decision purely on their end. You can say that “the Beckham effect” led to us losing this exhibition in the end.
Lay off of the RSL front office for “screwing things up”. I dont think that was the case. Hopefully next year we will get the MLS All Star game in the new stadium if things hold true to form with all the other recently opened stadiums (Chicago, Toronto, Colorado, Dallas) getting awarded that game. Dont give up your seasons tickets yet!
Hmmm, watching MLS All-Stars play West Ham United a reason to hang on to your season tickets? What’s in your Juice Box?
While I think it would be cool to have the All Star game here, it wouldn’t be nearly as big as a game as Real Madrid. I remember them announcing that people flew in from 50 different countries to see that game.
@Juice Box guy - How do you figure RSL didn’t screw this up? They announced a game without a contract being signed. They’ve been telling season ticket holders for two years that Madrid is coming. They’re still telling people Madrid is coming on the Season Tickets page. We never know who’s coming in the summer until just before for just this reason. RSL is being careful until they’re sure it’s happening. In this case, they got a little ahead of themselves and promised what they’re not going to deliver. It’s another PR misstep that’s going to hurt the organization. The reason it happened is immaterial.
Re: Timoteo and RSLFan (which is why I changed my original name from RSL Fan to Juice Box Guy)
MLS signed a contract to have Barcelona play in the US 5 times in the next five year. Why wouldnt they have them play the MLS All Stars? I admit that having West Ham is pretty lame for this year, but you cant complain about having Chelsea like they did two years ago. What about the possibility of having the MLS All Stars play Barcelona in Salt Lake? Would that make everyone happy.? I know for a fact that RSL is applying for next year’s All Star Game. Once we get into the new stadium we will definitely have more and better exhibitions. Anyway, RSL is great at winning games that dont mean anything (US Open Cup, China, get the picture?) I would rather have them sign a DP that could do something (Riquelme anyone?) in league play more than anything.
First of all, Madrid are no longer Los Galacticos. The only one left from that era is Raul. No way Barca is coming.
I am disappointed, we had a great time when they were here before. But I agree with the idea that we shouldn’t get too hung up on this. Let’s learn how to score an away goal in MLS, then worry about friendlies with international top ten clubs.
I would love to see Barcelona play here. There’s about 10 teams I’d rather see first, but Barcelona’s a great team. I’ve sat in the Camp Nou three times in my life and let me tell you, there’s nothing like 98,000 screaming people to get the atmosphere pumping. But that’s not really what we’ve been talking about and it has nothing to do with Madrid canceling.
I would doubt that Barcelona would be eager to come here, in fact, an All Star game might be our only chance. That’s why the relationship with Madrid is so important. European teams consider us a bush league at best. But the idea of going to NY, LA, Seattle is enticing. Salt Lake City, Columbus, Kansas, not so much.
I’ve enjoyed the international friendlies enormously and it’s one area that I think RSL has really delivered with. But a game can only get so big in a 20,000 seat stadium. If you were a euro team and you could play in Quest in Seattle, you wouldn’t even think about it. The relationship is what could alter that equation and bring an amazing team back to SLC.
Two words:
MANCHESTER UNITED.
Just add it to the list of empty promises from the RSLFO. Did anybody receive their 2007 Highlight DVD that was promised if you put your Royal Club deposit before November 1st? Maybe they couldn’t find enough highlights.
RSL would probably rent out Rice Eccles and put sod in for a big draw like a Real Madrid or Barcelona. Lets not forget that Barcelona has talked about pulling out of playing the Red Bulls already twice this year.
It might just be because I am british but I want to see RSL play Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs are a team with loads of up and coming talent, and itching to get noticed. Bring in Spurs and I guarantee a great match.
I for one hope once we get out of RES we never return. Temporary grass field or not, RES stinks for soccer.
Wouldn’t mind seeing River Plate from Argentina. Last year I missed the Boca Jrs game because of work and I was really bummed.
I would like to see Manchester United, Liverpool, AC Milan or São Paulo.
I’m with you RSL Fanatic. Bring River Plate, Santos and Sao Paulo and I’ll be there!!!!
Yeah, I’d be stoked to have a Brazilian team come, like Flamango, Santos, or Sao Paulo. An Italian or English team would be cool too.
Still, it’s pretty pathetic that the Real Madrid deal folded, especially considering how much it went into RSL’s marketing campaign. I’m sure a lot of people feel slighted, whether RSL had much control over it or not. They better come through big time on a replacement.
Having said that, I do think their top priority needs to be winning league games. As cool as it is to have a well-know, powerhouse team come to play, the fans would be better served having a solid performance and a playoff berth.