This off season has been especially long and difficult. After having one of the craziest endings to a season, we had to sit and wait (quite impatiently I might add) for our boys to defend their crown. However, as you all well know, it seemed as though this could be in jeopardy. The possibility of a strike and the uncertainty that surrounded that probably route were like a storm just waiting to strike. But, as many storms we have seen in this valley, it turned out to be all for not. The players union and owners/league officials pulled out a deal and we all went back to peace. What was said during that rough time is in the past, the yelling, the bickering, the (for lack of a better term) bitching are all old news now. We have ourselves a season, we have ourselves a title to defend.
Coming out of the gate, RSL will travel to San Jose. The Quakes were one of the worst teams last season, but that doesn't mean they will be an easy game by any means. In fact, RSL got only 1 point out of a possible 6 against San Jose last season and that one came off an own goal in the RioT in the 89th minute. Add to that that the loss at San Jose was, I believe, one of the ugliest of last season and this "easy match" becomes anything but that.
San Jose has improved their team from last season, no doubt about that. I haven't done extensive homework on them, but everything I read hints towards them being a much improved squad. RSL is in the same boat. The form at the end of last season came with the group of guys that are still around, commonly referred to as the "core" of the team. With a couple additions here and there and a loss or two, this squad should be coming out where they left off. The key word there is, without a doubt, SHOULD.
The starting XI for this one is anybodies guess. There are some positions that, in my own and many other people's opinion, "set". However, there are some where I believe Jason might be flipping a coin this week (kidding obviously). If I had to put money on it, this is what we will see Saturday night at Buck Shaw:
GK: Nick Rimando
LB: Chris Wingert
CB: Nat Borchers
CB: Jamison Olave
RB: Robbie Russell
LM: Will Johnson
CDM: Kyle Beckerman
CAM: Javier Morales
RM: Ned Grabavoy
LF: Fabian Espindola
RF: Robbie Findley
Bench: Kyle Reynish, Tony Beltran, Andy Williams, Nelson Gonzalez, Pablo Campos, Alvaro Sabirio, David Horst
I expect to see Alvaro regardless of how the match is going (less productive FW off)
Andy if it is tied or we are winning (Grabs off)
The last sub will be between Beltran, Gonzalez, and Campos.
If we need some D (winning), Beltran will come on for a midy (likely javi) and Russell will slide to the middle.
If we are tied and lucky to be doing so, I believe JK will sacrifice a forward or a midy and bring on Gonzalez for some possession.
If we are losing, I see Pablo coming on for the other forward (Sabo the first sub) or maybe even dropping a midy and going to a 4-3-3
This is the MLS and parity be thy name. Who will win this game? I haven't got a clue. My gut tells me that RSL will play well, much better than previous road form, and will get some goals no matter what. However, I fear our D will struggle and give up a goal or two to San Jose (they always find a way through us). In the end, the safe bet is a draw. 2-2 I say with Findley and Alvaro getting goals for the "good guys".
Lets hope for a good game and great season. I want to win that cup again!
Cheers,
15 to 32
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