Football is king in America. No one seriously disputes that notion, least of all me. I write Showtime's weekly series "Inside the NFL" and in the past month have traveled extensively in Texas, Oklahoma and Arizona. In those states, like many others around the country, pigskin passion runs so deep it taps into the very core of American mythology. Which is why Real Salt Lake and Major League Soccer should take a bow this week. Last Saturday, for the visit of Sporting Kansas City, RSL boasted a sellout crowd. That, in and of itself, is good news. But the fact that the "full house" signs were posted as BYU played Utah 40 miles down the Wasatch Front in one of college football's biggest rivalries, demonstrated yet again how far MLS and RSL have come in a relatively short time. Only last season, RSL stirred the ire of its fans by moving the start time of a home game against the Philadelphia Union to avoid clashing with a Utah Jazz playoff game. Times are changing. And RSL officials, as well its fans, are to be congratulated for recognizing their hard-earned local prominence and being bold enough to act on it. Sure, there were more people at LaVell Edwards Stadium for the Cougars-Utes showdown (and watching on television) than were at RSL's Rio Tinto Stadium, but the Claret and Cobalt aren't claiming to be Real Madrid. But thanks to hard work, talent and success, both on and off the field, RSL has become a significant part of the sports scene in their community. And after winning 3-1 at the New York Red Bulls on Wednesday night, RSL can clinch a playoff berth with a sixth straight win Saturday at D.C. United. Come MLS Cup playoff time, RSL could well repeat their championship-winning success of 2009. That year, Jason Kreis' team came from pretty much nowhere to upset David Beckham and the Los Angeles Galaxy on penalty kicks in the final. In some quarters that RSL triumph was regarded as a glorious fluke, but it would surprise few if the Royals reigned again this year. In goal, Nick Rimando is a quintessential MLS professional -- just a notch below international class, but always dependable. Another American player the league was made for is Nat Borchers. Although it's unlikely that he'll add to his trio of U.S. national team caps any time soon, he got in Thierry Henry's face all night Wednesday, and Kreis will count on him to keep that attitude riding throughout the playoffs. Because of a suspension, midfield linchpin Kyle Beckerman missed the Red Bulls' win, but his consistently outstanding performances this season caught Jurgen Klinsmann's eye and resulted in Beckerman's recall to the U.S. national team. His stay-at-home midfield bite is a huge asset for RSL, and could well become the same for Klinsmann. Up front, Kreis relies on Fabian Espindola and Alvaro Saborio to carry the goal-scoring load. They did just that again Wednesday, with Espindola scoring twice after Saborio's goal gave RSL the lead (although it should be added that the goals came with more than a little help from the league of dysfunctional gentlemen better known as the Red Bulls' backline.) Perhaps even more impressive than RSL packing the stands on a big college football night is the reaction of Kreis and his team to early-season adversity. In April, RSL was on the cusp of the biggest victory in MLS history. After gaining a 2-2 tie in Monterrey in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League final, it had one hand on the trophy and a first-time MLS berth in the FIFA Club World Cup. RSL had not lost at home in nearly two years, but the Rayados snapped that remarkable streak with a 1-0 win and won the title. Shortly after that crushing disappointment, on May 7, RSL playmaker Javier Morales suffered a broken ankle on a reckless tackle from Marcos Mondaini of Chivas USA. The two-time MLS All-Star hasn't played since, although there's reportedly a possibility that he might be back for the playoffs. For a lot of teams, such back-to-back blows would derail their season. Not this group. The likes of the Los Angeles Galaxy, the Seattle Sounders, the Columbus Crew and Sporting Kansas City will all have something to say about the destiny of the 2011 MLS Cup. But after the Red Bulls' win, Kreis was emphatic about his team's chances, declaring, "I believe we should be considered a contender for the championship." He's right about that. And all the other MLS Cup contenders can expect three things if they have to go to Sandy, Utah, in the playoffs: a tough opponent, high altitude and a sold-out stadium. Yes, even if the Utes are playing at home that night.