USOC: RSL v DCU, Pre Game

We are seemingly stuck at a crossroads in the middle of heavy traffic. On the left is a short route with a prize at the end that is grand. To get to it, however, congestion will be inevitable and their will be losses. To the right, however, is a much less crowded road. While much longer than the road on the left, it too has a grand prize at the end of it. With that said, the likelihood of reaching that prize is realtively equal on both roads... which do you pick?

This crossroads is where Jason Kreis and his Royal Army find themselves this week. As they prepare to take the pitch tomorrow at DC, the question will be "how serious do we take this?". With a regular MLS season game just a few days after at the same place against the same opponent, will their be a bit of gamesmanship or do you let it ride? Also, with an eye on the future, the Royal Army has to head home, a week from tomorrow (Wednesday) to face the top team in all of the league at home. That game has been circled since the beginning of the season... hell, since Robbie Russell's miraculous pk in Seattle (oh memories...).

So again, Jason Kreis must ask himself, how serious do I take this?

If it were up to me, I would hide my cards tomorrow. Throw out the "reserves" and see what can happen. Worst case scenario: they win with their scrubs and we get nothing. Best case scenario: we win against their starters and not only advance in USOC but also get a gage on what to expect Saturday. I think reality will fall somewhere in the middle of those two options, but I am hoping for a W nonetheless. With that said, I could handle a loss so long as it doesnt involve too many regulars and no more injuries are picked up.

While nobody but Jason will have a clue as to what the lineup will be for this one, I'll still have a shot at it:

GK: Reynish

LB: Schuler
CB: Borchers
CB: McKenzie
RB: Beltran

LM: Gonzalez/Johnson
CDM: Alexandre
CAM: Warner
RM: Grabavoy

FW: Campos
FW: Saborio

Bench: Rimando, Olave, Russell, Williams, Morales, Espindola, Johnson/Gonzalez

We are depleted. A couple of the players on the bench are just there to fill in space as they are carrying injuries and wont see the pitch. I expect Sabo and Espy to split the game up top with Campos going the full 90 (which it better be limited to!)Russell and Beltran should split the game as well. I am not sure as to the status of Nelson Gonzalez, but this is a great opportunity for him to get minutes if he is trying to get back into form. He and Johnson could be the last sub used.

RSL 1 DCU 0