RSL notes: Morales at 100 percent during 3-game week


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SANDY — Just days after making his return to full gameplay for Real Salt Lake, Javier Morales was out on the training field at America First Field with a smile on his face.

Finally getting a chance to do that after nearly “two weeks in the bed” will do that to you, he said.

“I’m so happy,” Morales said. “After I got out on the field, I feel much better being back with the guys and playing games.”

Morales spoke Tuesday after a short, rain-soaked training session before RSL got on a plane for Los Angeles in advance of Wednesday night’s game at the L.A. Galaxy. The 35-year-old suffered a concussion May 1 against San Jose, and he’s struggled with ankle and back injuries over the past year.

But after making his return Saturday in a 2-0 win over New York City FC, the Argentine midfielder felt as good as new.

“After two weeks on the bed, I feel 100 percent,” he said with a laugh.

RSL travels to L.A. for its second match in a three-game, eight-day span — but focus remains on each decision, forward Devon Sandoval said.

“We’re trying to win every game, and that’s all that matters,” he said.

After Wednesday’s match, RSL will travel from Los Angeles to Vancouver, British Columbia, for the weekend tilt against the Whitecaps.

RSL's Luis Gil battles for the ball with Baggio Husidic as Real Salt Lake and the Los Angeles Galaxy play Saturday, Nov. 1, 2014, at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy. (Scott G Winterton/Deseret News)
RSL's Luis Gil battles for the ball with Baggio Husidic as Real Salt Lake and the Los Angeles Galaxy play Saturday, Nov. 1, 2014, at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy. (Scott G Winterton/Deseret News)

Attinella ailment — Just as Morales and forward Joao Plata made their returns Saturday night, backup goalkeeper Jeff Attinella was taken from the field after rolling his ankle during 5-on-2 warm-up drills at training Tuesday morning. RSL coach Jeff Cassar didn’t know the full extent of the injury, as Attinella was taken in for further evaluation during training.

“He rolled his ankle in 5v2, which is odd,” Cassar said. “But it didn’t feel good.”

Schuler on the mend — RSL defender Chris Schuler continues his rehabilitation from knee surgery last month, and he’s been working with the athletic training staff on an underwater treadmill, Cassar said.

“He’s doing good,” said the head coach. “They say he is on the correct timetable, but not out on the field just yet. I think he’s still got a ways to go.”

Schuler underwent knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus on April 21 after feeling pain during warmups before a 1-0 loss to Vancouver. Following surgery, he was projected to miss 4-6 weeks.

Gil not taken to Toulon — When United States U-23 national team coach Andi Herzog named his roster for the upcoming Toulon Tournament in France, he originally planned to include RSL midfielder Luis Gil, Cassar confirmed Tuesday.

After “a good conversation with them,” the U-23 coach left Gil to remain with his club side.

“They understand how valuable he is to our team,” Cassar said of Gil. “He’s extremely important, and the role he is playing needs to get into rhythm. I thought he was very good this last game (against NYCFC), and he’s done a much better job.”

Herzog hinted Sunday night that some players were held off the roster because of their value to their clubs.

“It’s a situation where a lot of MLS teams have a lot of games during the same time period,” Herzog told ussoccer.com, “so mostly, the players starting for the MLS teams were not released.”

Herzog called Orlando City defender Tyler Turner for the tournament, which runs through June 7, on Tuesday — a move that cements his 20-player roster that includes RSL defender Boyd Okwuonu. The U-23s kick off the Toulon Tournament on Wednesday against France at 11 a.m. MT on beIN Sport.

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