One is the spice, the other, the sizzle. One is a highly-skilled Argentinean who can change the game in an instant with a pinpoint pass, well-struck set piece or a world-class goal. The other is a tireless midfielder with the ability to track back on defense and execute a perfectly timed tackle to break up the opposing teams attack or push forward and blast a tally from long range.

One is Javi Morales. The other is Kyle Beckerman.

Together, they have become known as "The Javi and Kyle Show," and they are the main catalysts for the success (or lack thereof) for Real Salt Lake. When they are on the field working together, playing off one another at the highest level, RSL is among the MLS elite. If they're not ... well, RSL is not.

When Jason Kreis took over as RSL head coach in May of 2007, it was obvious to him that even if the team maximized their efforts, one minor problem would remain -- they just weren't good enough. So the tireless Kreis, who finished his playing career as MLS's all-time leading goal scorer, went to work on a massive roster overhaul. Arguably his best acquisition to date has been the dynamic Morales, who Kreis saw on several highlight and full match DVDs before flying down to Argentina to meet the midfielder face to face.

"I saw it in his eyes," said Kreis. "He was born to play soccer, and he is a natural competitor. His skill alone made him an attractive player for us, but the look in his eyes when I sat down with him made me believe he could be something special; someone who could make a lasting difference for us for a very long time."

So far, so good.

Injuries limited Javi to only seven appearances in 2007, but his 2008 breakout campaign included six goals, and 15 assists, while leading RSL to the team's first ever post season appearance and a trip to the western conference finals. His 15 helpers were second in all of MLS to only Guillermo Barros Schelotto, last season's MLS MVP. Javi became the attacking player on RSL's roster who opposing coaches were forced to formulate their game plan around in an effort to at least contain him. More often than not, the game plan just didn't work. Javi was able to slice up opposing defenses unlike any player ever to don the RSL kit. It was a joy to watch.

"Simply put, Javi possess one of the best soccer brains I have ever been around," continues Kreis.

Kyle Beckerman is only 26-years-old, but is currently in the midst of his 10th MLS campaign. At first glance, it appears that Jason plucked him off a beach in Costa Rica. His flowing dreadlocks and full-time half-beard give him the vibe of a laid back, Jah loving Rastafari, but from the day he was acquired in exchange for Mehdi Ballochy (via RSL's Rocky Mountain Cup Rival, the Colorado Rapids) it has been Kyle's bite, grit, work and determination that has endeared him to fans, and, in my opinion, made him RSL's most valuable player. I have personal favorites (Clint Mathis) and sentimental favorites (Andy Williams), but for me, Kyle is the player that dictates the flow and physicality of the game for RSL. When he is gone, there is a tangible on-field difference.

"He's a leader," said Kreis. "I believe that best case scenario is having a midfielder as your captain; Kyle is the perfect choice. The first game we gave him the armband, our team improved on several different levels. Kyle's game improved from a personal standpoint; he took the responsibility very seriously. But of equal importance to me was the way the rest of the guys responded to Kyle as the captain, and they all responded very well."

"I don't know that there is another player in the league that has the combination of intangibles that Kyle possesses," Kreis continues. "He is always on the move; I can count on him to track back and defend, and then I'll turn around and he'll be in the mix to score a goal or create an opportunity for his teammates. His bite, his ball-winning ability and his passion for the game of soccer took our midfield to a whole new level, from the first day he stepped on the field."

The MLS All-Stars take on Everton FC of the English Premiere League July 29 at Rio Tinto Stadium. Tickets are still available at riotintostadium.com. The Javi and Kyle Show, typically an exclusive performance for the eyes of RSL fans, will be on display for an international audience that day, as both of these two players were recently selected to the All-Star Team. Salt Lake is a soccer-savvy market; always has been. For those of you who want to see the game played at a level that supersedes say, RSL vs. Toronto FC, I highly recommend coming to the game. You will be a part of history, as Rio Tinto hosts it's first ever All-Star Game, and it's first ever EPL team.

Oh, and you will still have the pleasure of viewing "The Javi and Kyle Show" up close and personal.

Questions? Comment? I welcome any and all feedback at spencer@kall700sports.com