Throughout the season, as Real Salt Lake methodically dropped points, laid-back captain Kyle Beckerman was always the first to note it wasn't that big a deal, the match wasn't a must-win situation.
The same is true tonight when his team visits FC Dallas.
Even if Real Salt Lake loses — which it often does on the road — it's still mathematically in the hunt for an MLS playoff berth. Realistically, though, unless RSL shows some urgency and secures the full three points tonight, its hopes of a playoff berth are as bad as the Detroit Lions in the NFL.
A knack for inconsistency has definitely caught up to Real Salt Lake, and now it must win three of its final four games of the season to likely secure a playoff berth. As improbable as that scenario seems, it's attainable, but it must start with three points in tonight's 6:30 kickoff at Pizza Hut Park.
"I think our season's on the line this weekend. I think it's an absolute must win," said midfielder Will Johnson.
With a win tonight, RSL would improve to 37 points in the standings and be in a good position to secure one of the final playoff berths by taking care of business at home. Two of its final three games are at Rio Tinto Stadium, and both are winnable.
The potentially favorable stretch begins with a home match against New York on Oct. 14, an away match at Toronto on Oct. 17 and then the regular-season finale at home against Colorado on Oct. 24.
It's only favorable with a victory tonight.
If RSL doesn't beat a sub-.500 Dallas team, its match at Toronto FC on three days rest suddenly becomes a mathematical must-win situation amid near-impossible circumstances.
In the only other meeting between these teams this year at Rio Tinto Stadium, Real Salt Lake prevailed 4-2 despite falling behind 2-0 in the opening 25 minutes.
A similar scoreline is possible tonight as FC Dallas leads the league in both goals scored and goals allowed.
After tonight, RSL will have a very bizarre 18-day break until its next league game against New York in mid-October.
e-mail: jedward@desnews.com