Making Of A Moment

Bonus Episode 7 | A complicated legacy

While Amy Donaldson was researching and reporting this podcast, she found Dell Loy Hansen to be one of the most polarizing figures she'd written about in three decades as a journalist.  And it isn’t just that he has vocal critics or ardent supporters it’s that even those who worked closest with him, those who knew him best find it difficult to neatly or easily summarize his impact on professional soccer which, like it or not, extends far beyond Utah and one could argue even the U.S.  Without him, Real Salt Lake might not have become financially stable enough to enjoy those golden years after the MLS Cup championship of 2009. Without him, Checketts may have been forced to sell the team in 2013 to owners who wanted to move it to a bigger market. Without him, the training facilities, The Academy, the Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman - none of that would exist

Bonus Episode 6: The Return of the Royals

When Dell Loy Hansen decided to put his soccer holdings up for sale, there was a lot of fear among fans - and speculation amongst the media - that a buyer would take Real Salt Lake, the Monarchs, the Royals and the Academy - and move it anywhere but Utah. As it turned out, on the Royals were at risk. And in early December, the players, coaches and staff got a gut-punch when the Royals were sold back to Kansas City. There was a provision in the sale that gave fans hope. The new owners had an option at an expansion franchise in 2024.  And thanks to Hansen, the team retained the rights to its name, mascot, and colors - its identity. In this podcast, one member of the staff and a player talk us through what it was like to get that call that the team was leaving, and what happened when the team returned in 2024.

Bonus Episode 5 | The World According to Pablo Mastroeni

Real Salt Lake coach and former player Pablo Mastroeni was able to sit down with Amy on two occasions to talk about his journey and his philosophies on being a coach, being a player and just life in general. One thing that is so good about these two interviews with Pablo, is that his advice and ideas can help anyone who is trying to go somewhere.

Ep 6 | The Stroke of Midnight

Real Salt Lake's magical run comes to an end, but not with the fairy tale ending everyone hoped to have. There are massive changes for RSL after the 2021 season - a coach is hired, the club finds and owner, and key players depart. The team, staff and the players are left to reflect: What does it all mean? If winning is the ultimate goal in professional sports, what other measurements matter?

Bonus Episode 4 | Jason Kreis

When Jason Kreis became the first player signed by Real Salt Lake founder Dave Checketts in November of 2004, he’d never even been to Utah. But 20 years later, it’s difficult to say if Kreis had more of an impact on the club - or if the club - and the community - have had more of an impact on Jason Kreis. In this bonus episode, Kreis talks about his departure, why he wanted to return to the club, why the culture at RSL is unique, and what he hopes the club means to Utah.