- published: 17 Apr 2016
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Real Salt Lake (RSL) is an American professional soccer club based in Sandy, Utah, a suburb of Salt Lake City. The team competes in Major League Soccer (MLS). They currently play their home games at Rio Tinto Stadium, also known as "The RioT".[citation needed] Real Salt Lake won the MLS Cup in 2009, and reached the final of the 2010–11 CONCACAF Champions League. The team's head coach is former United States international Jason Kreis.
Major League Soccer awarded an expansion franchise on July 14, 2004 to SCP Worldwide, headed by Dave Checketts. RSL became the 12th MLS franchise and began play on April 2, 2005 in a match against the New York Metrostars. Future coach Jason Kreis became the first player in RSL history, coming in a trade from the Dallas Burn, and also scored the club’s first goal.
RSL’s first few years in MLS were marked by heavy losses and player turnover. Led by coach John Ellinger, the first season included a 10-match losing streak in route to a 5-22-5 inaugural season. RSL added veterans Clint Mathis, Eddie Pope, and Jeff Cunningham to these early teams.
Steven George Gerrard MBE ( /ˈdʒɛrɑrd/; born 30 May 1980) is an English footballer who plays for and captains Premier League club Liverpool. He also has 91 caps for the England national team. He has played much of his career in a centre midfield role, but he has also been used as a second striker and right winger.
Gerrard, who has spent his entire career at Anfield, made his début in 1998 and cemented his place in the first team in 2000, succeeding Sami Hyypiä as team captain in 2003. His honours include two FA Cups, three League Cups, one UEFA Champions League, one UEFA Cup, and two Super Cups. In 2005, Gerrard came third in voting for the Ballon d'Or.
Gerrard made his international debut in 2000 and has represented England at the Euro 2000 and Euro 2004, as well as the 2006 World Cup where he was the team's top goalscorer with two goals. Gerrard first captained his country at the 2010 World Cup in the absence of regular captain Rio Ferdinand, who missed the tournament through injury. He was named again as England captain for the Euro 2012.