Real Salt Lake is headed into a bit of uncharted territory when it takes on Santa Tecla FC on Tuesday in the second match of the Group Stage of CONCACAF Champions League. Playing in El Salvador, it’s unfamiliar surroundings, even for an MLS team that has played in six different countries in its previous Champions League endeavors.
And while Santa Tecla is a club for whom RSL may not have a lot of video to review, defender Tony Beltran says they are as ready as can be for the task at hand.
“These games, these teams, it’s very difficult to scout. But I’ll tell you this, the team is very motivated. We know that these Champions League games are some of the biggest games we’re going to play in,” Beltran said on The Bill & OC Show on Monday. “We’re a couple games away from securing a spot in the next round and if we can get a result on the road here in El Salvador, we can really take command of this group.”
RSL is currently second in the group with three points in one match while Municipal of Guatemala has four points from three matches. Santa Tecla has one point from two matches. A win for RSL would put them in control of the group with two matches remaining, both at Rio Tinto Stadium in September and October.
Salt Lake’s coaches have managed to provide the players with some matches to base their scouting sessions on, but to Beltran, the matchup on Tuesday is more about the players in the RSL locker room than the ones suiting up for the home side. Although he likes to have as much information about his opponents as possible, he also has confidence in the group that will take the field for the Claret-and-Cobalt.
“I think it’s always nice to have information on your opponent. Myself, personally, as a defender I do like to study up on my opponent – know his tendencies, know his strengths, know his weaknesses. But at the same time, coming down here it’s good to focus solely on ourselves. I think that’s important,” Beltran said just before going into one of his various meetings to discuss strategy and tactics for the match. “We should be the superior soccer team and if we play superior soccer and focus on ourselves then the result will come.”
Kickoff for Tuesday’s match is scheduled for 8 p.m. MT with live television coverage on Fox Soccer Plus. RSL will also be hosting a viewing party for the match at 50 West in downtown Salt Lake City.
To hear the full interview, click here.
