BRADENTON, Fla. — Making his first start of the 2006 season at the back, RSL defender Chris Brown says he already feels right at home.
"This year, I feel like I have a home at right back, at least for now," said Brown. "Last year I was kind of plugged in a couple different places. (This year) I feel I can concentrate on that one spot and work on the things I need to work on from that spot."
Brown, who played in 29 of 32 games for Salt Lake last year, churned out a workmanlike 45-minute effort, the kind that convinced coach John Ellinger to move him to right back toward the end of last year.
Brown and central defender Carey Talley worked noticeably well together against the MetroStars, covering for each other on long balls over the top, and communicating very well to avoid breakdowns.
"I think Browny definitely has the athletic ability, and definitely the offensive prowess, to be a good right back," said Talley.
COMINGS AND GOINGS: While Daniel Torres and Scott Garlick were scheduled to arrive at training camp Wednesday, midfielder Andy Williams had to return to Salt Lake City early Wednesday morning to attend to family matters. Midfielder Douglas Sequeira will also be leaving the team soon, as he's scheduled to join the Costa Rican National Team in preparation for this Saturday's friendly with South Korea in Oakland.
THE WAIT IS OVER: The complete MLS schedule was finally released Wednesday. Real Salt Lake's home schedule consists of 13 Saturday games, two Wednesday games and one Tuesday game — July 4.
RSL opens the season on the road at Chivas USA on Sunday, April 2, followed by a game at FC Dallas the following weekend. After two straight road games, Real returns home April 15 to face the MetroStars, a game that begins a stretch of 6-of-8 games at home dating to June 3.
The unbalanced schedule must even out eventually, as five of its next seven games are on the road. Three of RSL's final four games are on the road as well, including its regular-season finale at Chivas USA on Sunday, Oct. 15.
SCHEDULE CHANGE: Thursday's exhibition game with the U.S. Under-17 National Team has been cancelled. RSL's next exhibition game isn't until Sunday, when it faces Columbus in Tampa, approximately an hour north of its training camp home in Bradenton.
E-mail: jedward@desnews.com