SANDY — Throughout the preseason Real Salt Lake talked about a business-as-usual approach.
It seemed odd considering the massive uncertainty surrounding the new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between MLS and the Players Union, but the coaching staff and players insisted on stayed focused and preparing to defend the MLS Cup. RSL played preseason games, including Saturday's 1-0 win against Toronto, signed and released players all with the expectation that the 2010 MLS season would begin as scheduled.
Nonetheless, the threat of a players' strike was always very real, but it was avoided on Saturday morning with MLS and the Players Union agreeing on a new five-year collective bargaining agreement.
"I think everybody is pretty relieved," said RSL defender Nat Borchers. "There was some concern that maybe the season wouldn't get started on time if at all, but I think both parties are happy to say they've reached a deal that's mutually beneficial."
Borchers and RSL teammate Nick Rimando were two of roughly 20 players who were in Washington, D.C., this weekend to assist in the process of hammering out the details of a new CBA.
At the heart of the matter were the players' rights within the league, and Borchers said the players stuck with their convictions and worked out what they believe is a fair deal.
"There were frustrations on both sides about the inability to get a deal done, but I think in all fairness that's how the negotiating process works. It always seems to come down to the last minute," said Borchers.
Now, RSL can officially turn its attention to the season opener at San Jose this Saturday.
Throughout intense negotiations between MLS and the union over the past several months, the players mostly stayed silent. Andy Williams was one of the first to send out a Twitter post once news of the deal was reached.
"Deals done, now let the season begin. REPEAT."
"Listening to "The Don" (commissioner Don Garber) talking about the new CBA. Happy for all our fans that this got resolved."
Borchers said not all players will be on guaranteed contracts under the new CBA, but the majority will be, and they'll be able to move much more freely within the league when their contracts expire.
Both parties admitted the process wasn't easy, but Borchers insists he and his teammates still have a ton of respect for owner Dave Checketts.
"We love playing for Dave. There was never any animosity between our players and our owner. I'm not sure about the other players and their ownership groups," said Borchers.
Checketts went public with his disappointment about a potential players' strike earlier this week, at times threatening the players with some aggressive counter measures. Borchers chalked everything up to part of the negotiation process.
Now, Checketts and co-owner Dell Loy Hansen can proceed as planned with presenting Real Salt Lake's players with their championship rings during the club's home opener on April 10.
e-mail: jedward@desnews.com