The MLS Cup Final rematch makes its stop in Salt Lake. The first rematch, down in LA, went in the favor of the home team. Edson Buddle was the man of the match by a mile and scored 2 goals to sink RSL 2-1. That match was even closer than the scoreline suggests. If not for the upright, Robbie Findley could have put RSL ahead late in the game just minutes before Buddle put his team ahead. This game is played on some of the biggest fields in sports, yet is almost always decided by mere inches. No game displayed that more than the MLS Cup Final and the subsequent rematch. I think this game will be just the same. Even without Donovan and Buddle, LA has talent all across the board. Former RSL man Clint Mathis will likely be on the bench, and I am tempted to say he will likely get some time. The man of the match for LA against Houston just a couple days ago (Saturday) was Kirovski. The veteran slotted home two goals against the seemingly weak Dynamo. His first, just 47 seconds into the match. This LA team has improved on the one flaw of Bruce Arena ball in that they are actually scoring goals. With their 4 against Houston and RSL going goalless against DC, they are now leaders in goals scored with 22. More shocking than that, however, is the amount of goals they have conceded. Arena is notorious for having a solid D, but even he should be amazed by what this back line and his superb keeper have done. After 12 games they have conceded a whopping 3 goals. 1 of those against our very own RSL, via Beckerman and a strange bounce in front of Ricketts. That was the last goal scored against them up until last weekend against Houston. That goal, really, should go down as an own goal as well. Some poor timing and talk between Ricketts and his defender caused him to kick the ball directly into the on rushing Weaver (who the defender had slightly pushed to try and create space, ironically enough).
All this said, RSL is back in the RioT, the fortress. It is likely to be a packed house with Mr David Cook having a performance, and I would imagine the national anthem, after the game. Tickets are already hard to come by, even with the prices raised. It's going to, hopefully, be loud in the RioT. Even if those fans make a little noise, the RioT does well to keep sound in and make it loud. The south end supporters groups will have to be in the upper deck for this one as the stage will be in for the Cook show. This means La Barra and Union Real's drums will echo off the roof and bounce down onto the field. Along with RCB, the Loyalists, and other "English speaking" groups, the noise from above should rain down on us below. I am excited for this game. It's a wonderful opportunity to show that even the gods from LA (they have yet to lose a game) have a weakness. It's going to be a tight game. LA won't go down easy, and this RSL team never gives up faith on a game. The starting XI for the Royal Army will hopefully look something like this:
GK: Nick Rimando
LB: Chris Wingert
CB: Jamison Olave
CB: Nat Borchers
RB: Tony Beltran
LM: Will Johnson
CDM: Ned Grabavoy
CAM: Javier Morales
RM: Andy Williams
FW: Fabian Espindola
FW: Alvaro Saborio
Bench: Reynish, Schuler, Russell, McKenzie, Warner, Alexandre, Campos
The bench for us is weak. Not many of those players can come on, in my opinion, and keep the same level of play. Because of that, I wouldn't be surprised to see Jason not use all 3 subs in this one. Warner will likely come on for Andy Williams, since he likely wont have the gas to go the full 90. Russell could replace another mid or defender if need be. And if the forwards are not getting it done, Campos could make a late appearance.
This is the last game for RSL before the league takes a 2 week break for the World Cup (Group F Preview later today). Because of this, I expect these two teams to leave it all out on the pitch. Lots of work in the midfield for RSL will break down the Galaxy, we just need the finishing touch from Sabo and Espy. In the end, I think the good guys can get a W and give LA their first L of the season (with more to come).
RSL 2 - LAG 1
- Goals through Saborio and Morales
Hope to see a packed house (dare I say sold out?!?!) on Wednesday.
Cheers,
15 to 32
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