The most important game in MLS history is tonight

First off, for those wondering where the third installment of the Barcelona-Real Madrid opus will be shown at 11:30 a.m. - it's on FX (Channel 248 for those with DirecTV) in something of a first.

But no matter how good the likes of Lionel Messi is - and he's damn good - and despite the prospect of a mouthwatering UEFA Champions League final ahead, the eyes of American soccer fans should be firmly fixed tonight on Salt Lake City.

"I don't think it gets much more bigger than this," Nat Borchers said Tuesday on a conference call. "We're up for it, we're ready and we know what's on the line."

Kick off is at 7 p.m. on Fox Soccer Channel. There's no excuse not to watch - there's no game 7 for the Kings and neither the Dodgers nor Lakers are playing tonight. So do what I'm going to do -walk into your favorite bar and request they tune into the game if they haven't already and spread the soccer gospel. I'll be at the Red Car Brewery in Old Torrance if anyone cares to join me.

Our colleagues at sister paper The Salt Lake Tribune produced a special eight-page section in recognition of the occasion today so there's plenty to read.

RSL is confident, despite the loss of the influential Kyle Becklerman, who is suspended for the game.

Notable: RSL's 37-game home unbeaten streak includes 10 games that Beckerman did not play in, club officials observe.

Here's a video primer for tonight's game: