Big crowds haven’t always paid off for RSL

Following Real Salt Lake’s loss Saturday night to Chivas USA, my buddy Matt — a season-ticket holder since 2005 — couldn’t help but wonder why RSL struggles in front of big home crowds.

In fact, Matt did a little research and discovered that since the opening of Rio Tinto Stadium in 2008, RSL’s record at home in front of 20,000-plus fans is just 3-4-2 over all competitions. For a team that once had a 37-match home unbeaten streak, it’s hard to believe RSL hasn’t fared better in front of large home crowds.

Here’s a specific breakdown of those nine home games in front of 20,000-plus fans.

2012 (0-1-0)

March 24 — Chivas USA 1, Real Salt Lake 0 — 20,415

2011 (1-2-1)

March 26 — Real Salt Lake 4, L.A. Galaxy 1 — 20,507

April 20 — Monterrey 1, Real Salt Lake 0 — 20,378

Sept. 28 — Chicago 3, Real Salt Lake 0 — 20,762

Oct. 22 — Real Salt Lake 1, Portland 1 — 20,378

2010 (2-0-0)

Oct. 16 — Real Salt Lake 2, FC Dallas 0 — 20,236

Oct. 19 — Real Salt Lake 3, Cruz Azul 1 — 20,463

2008 (0-1-1)

Oct. 18 — Real Salt Lake 1, New York 1 — 20,008

Nov. 15 — New York 1, Real Salt Lake 0 — 20,008