Checketts has mentioned that he first learned to appreciate soccer by watching Real Madrid games (he also served in Spain on his LDS mission). With a name like Real Salt Lake, there is an obvious reference and respect for Real and Spain in general. Will this translate to a closer association between RSL and Madrid, who knows. We know Checketts wants there to be a connection. But in the mean time, RSL can give props to Real Madrid and their nation by placing a Spanish flag on the sleave. I think it looks nice.
I think the spanish flag on the sleeve is absolutely ridiculous. If they put it there on the sleeve on purpose, they should be shot. If someone was just dumb enough NOT to realize that it's the spanish flag, they should still be shot. There is no reason at all to have it there. I guess they just couldn't leave it alone. But hey, spanish name... spanish nats jersey... might as well have the freakin' flag on there.
I can't believe that flag is there. I completely agree with you (except for the shooting part). Maybe a Tonya Harding-style beating will suffice instead.
Ha ha ha - spanish flag - madness! Apart from the tenuous claims from Checketts there's no Spanish link whatsoever. If they're picking random flags they should have gone with the coolest flag in the world, the welsh, which has a monster on it. Well, a dragon at least.
I couldn't agree more about the Spanish flag. That's EVEN WORSE than the name. While I like the personnel decisions for the most part, Checketts handling of RSL's identity has been one of the biggest jokes in American top level sports, just ahead of "Mighty Ducks of Anaheim." (although, hopefully they update theirs, now that Disney has sold them)
Seriously? A Spanish Flag?! This whole thing is getting "real" ridiculous; as in royally embarassing. They're sure not making it easy to be a fan. Let's hope the action on the pitch helps us out a bit.
What about the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim? That's got to be up there. What is it with teams from Anaheim?
Do we know for sure that is the actual jersey, or could it be a photoshopped thang? I don't understand the spanish flag either.
Maybe something in the water? That's another horrid one I guess we should be thankful that the HDC wasn't built there. LA Astral Galaxy de Anaheim? Ugh.
So is Checketts trying to do everything other than what the fans want? He picks a name that finishes at the bottom of the fan poll, chooses the worst patch to put on the jersey, and kicks us while we're down by adding a flag on the sleeve to boast about an affiliation that doesn't exist. Why not put the city flag, or a beehive on the sleeve? At least do something original. Give the team some freaking tie to Utah. Don't mean to bad mouth senor Checketts, but why doesn't he listen and what is this Spanish obsession? That being said, I think the away jersey looks really cool, I plan on getting one, and despite Dave's efforts so far I will not switch my loyalty to either of those poser LA teams. Oh, and couldn't MLS have thrown one of those teams down the freeway to San Diego? I guess not!! Venting done...............for now.
Yep, that is what they look like, I was able to preorder them at the store. For some strange reason, I thought they look better in person. Maybe I was just excited and being a fan or something....
They do look a little different. The red on the home jersey is actually a little darker actually. Must be the lighting used when they they took the photos.
In general, the jerseys are simple yet sharp. They don't have any funky lines, fuzzy stripes or the Nike bib look. I would've preferred that they kept the blue shorts for the away kit but the white-on-white is fine though a bit overused by everyteam. They're definitely the best in MLS.
Can anyone post a pic of the home shorts? They were on mlsgear yesterday, but there is no long a picture available. Anyone catch an image?
It's been said by team officials that the entire home kit will look a lot like Spain's. So for the shorts, just look for Spain's shorts and you'll be pretty close. From what I can gather.
Well uh.. I like the colors and everything, but I'm not really all enamored with Spain, necessarily... I'm still confused by the Spain flag. Did they just order a bunch of Spain jerseys and accidentally left the flag on? I thought the SL in RSL was the most important part.