Hate Week - RMC Style

RSL plays the cRapids this Friday - ESPN's Game of the Week - in what is sure to be a heated match. RSL is in a bit of a slump, the cRapids are back on the rise after a rough stretch. However, in this rivalry game, you can throw everything out the window in terms of the season. History has shown that this game will be incredibly dramatic and played hard til the final whistle. For RSL, it's a chance to right the ship with a big win (or even draw) and all but lock in that third overall spot. For the cRapids, its a chance to move up into the higher wild card seed and come into form at the end of the season. One thing is for sure: this game is going to be wild

History of the Cup: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocky_Mountain_Cup

This match is huge. If you ask a supporter of either side they'll tell you the same thing "If my team could only win one/two games this season, it would be this one". There is no love lost between the two sides, not even the players. It is one of those truly heated rivalries that you typically only see in college or high school sports now-a-days. The fans, the players, the organizations, etc. They all hate each other. It's awesome. It's what sports, when it really comes down to it, is truly all about. Us against them.

Because of this heated nature, this game is sure to be a bit chippy. Hopefully the ref is understanding of the fact and calls his game accordingly. He shouldn't be quick to the cards, but he shouldn't just let things go, either. It's a very thin line that he'll have to find a way to walk. The hope, for both sides, is that he doesn't play a significant role in the game itself. There is plenty of hatred out there, we don't need to bring in some extra guys.

3 Keys for an RSL Victory

1. Use the emotions of the match correctly.

The moment that turned this rivalry into what it is today. What will be known forever as the "Pablo Shirt Incident" has turned this game from a somewhat friendly rivalry into a complete hatred rivalry. Fun fact: cRapids haven't won a RMC since this incident. I like to call it the "Curse of Pablow"

  - We've seen what high emotions can do to this team, both good and bad. They can cause this team, when pressed against the wall, to play incredibly great soccer. Hustle, grit, tenacity, and energy can all be derived from the emotions that are sure to be in this one. However, these emotions can have negative consequences as well. We've seen RSL succumb to the cheap shots, dirty play, and ultimately ejections of a high intensity match. These emotions have to be bridled. RSL needs to play with - as Dunseth loves to call it - a controlled anger.

2. Contain the speed of Cummings and Nyassi

The one and only current cRapid player I wouldn't mind switching shirts.

 - Speed. Both these players have loads of it. RSL's defense has been more than shaky the last couple of games. To right the ship in this one is more than necessary, it's vital. Cummings, if given space, will burn the RSL defense. The key is to keep him in front of the back-line. He isn't anywhere near as dangerous once that happens. Nyassi is the same way. Tremendous speed and will burn you in open space. If he is forced to play at a defense instead of behind them, though, he loses a lot of his edge. Still great players, but they can be limited if defended properly.

3. The Javi to Espy Connection

The Argentine connection can be incredibly lethal. Fabian builds off of the play of Javi. Javi builds off the play of Fabian.

 - It's no secret that these tow players really play well with each other. Espy, in particular, seems to really step his game up once Javier is on the pitch. With Javi back from injury and playing beyond what most people expected, I'm hoping we see that good old Argentine flair return on the big stage.

My Starting XI for RSL
GK: Rimando
LB: Wingert
CB: Olave
CB: Borchers
RB: Russell
LM: Williams
CDM: Alvarez
RM: Grabavoy
CAM: Morales
FW: Espindola
FW: Saborio
- The suspension of Beckerman and the loss of Johnson to injury will really suck in this one. Hopefully the rest of the guys can step it up. In particular, Yoradny Alvarez has to play at the top of his game. In fact...

Key Player for RSL: Yordany Alvarez

 - This game is always won in the midfield. Though it comes down to the last minute a lot of times, it's the midfield for each team that does the work for the length of the game to set those last minute heroics up. Without Beckerman, RSL will really need Alvarez to play a huge match. Simple, calm, cool, and collective. If he can do those things and make the big tackles, RSL can win this game.

Prediction: RSL 2 - cRapids 1
 - Goals from Espy and Morales
I see the cRapids getting the first goal of this match and then RSL fighting back. A goal around the 75th minute for RSL will push the cRapids into a high attack mode - allowing RSL some counters. Espy will get the late one to ice it.

FORZA REAL!

Cheers,

15 to 32

ps - YOU BETTER BE MAKING THE TRIP!!!

Rock Bottom? PLEASE!?

RSL got their butts handed to them by the expansion side Vancouver Whitecaps last night. Sure, the officiating was suspect and RSL was without a few key players, but those are just excuses to cover up the truth of the matter. RSL should be able to, even with that many players missing, handle an expansion side. In fact, Vancouver didn't even use all of their starters so it could be argued that the match was level in that department. So, at the end of the day, RSL got beat by probably the worst team in the league this year. All I can hope is that this is rock bottom. With two games left on the season and the playoffs around the corner, it's time for this team to right things or they will push the Red Sox for worst ending to the season of 2011.

A lot of excuses are being thrown around by RSL fans and media about this one. Missing players. Officiating. Unfair scheduling. Turf. etc. In the end, RSL didn't deserve to win this game. I don't know how anyone could argue they did, or that they even deserved a draw. RSL looked the worse side of the two, which is incredibly telling at this time of the year. It's the end of the season, teams are really starting to come into form around the league. Seattle, LA, New York, Kansas City, etc. These teams are clicking, showing defensive power, and know how to finish when given a chance. RSL, on the other hand, seems to be losing everything. The defense that was billed as the best in the league has given up 12 goals in 4 games. The midfield that was supposed to be the MLS's version of Barcelona suddenly can't string together any passes that have purpose. And the offense? Good lord, its pathetic. RSL is simply in a free-fall right now with teams having zero sympathy upon them.

Man of the Match: Camillo

It's hard to pick a man of the match in this one considering neither side looked incredibly good on the night. Camillo slotted away the two penalties and was a thorn in RSL's side a lot of the night.

Wankers of the Match: RSL's Whole Team

Simply pathetic. Every player, every position, every coach, all of them were bad. Rimando got beat on his near post once again. Wingert is not the same player he was before injury. Borchers and Olave were out of position more times than they weren't. Schuler is so unorthodox it's painful to watch on turf. Russell couldn't defend a person standing still. Grabavoy had possibly his worst RSL game ever. Warner, even before the red, was simply terrible. Andy would have brilliant touches and then pass the ball to nobody afterwards. Gil is not a forward. Paulo Junior's 15 minutes of fame are long done. Arnoux and Agorsor were two of the brighter spots in this game - which just goes to show how bad things are. These 2 probably wouldn't make the roster for half the teams in this league. Terrible: RSL

Looking Forward: Rocky Mountain Cup, Leg 2
 - RSL has 8 days to recover, fix their shit, get players healthy, and get this team back on track. The game at Colorado, in my book, is going to be the tale tale sign of the rest of the season. If they can find some better form, lock things down defensively, and pass with some purpose (attack!) then the playoffs are still a realistic (though very thin) chance of success. If they play anything like they have in the previous 4 games? This season is done for. This team loves to have it's back against the wall. Not sure how much more pressing they need...

FORZA REAL

Cheers,

15 to 32

Fixing our problems, Starting from the back

RSL heads to Vancouver for a match that was originally scheduled back in the middle of July. Because of some poor weather, a grass pitch laid over a turf one, and mostly Vancouver valuing a friendly over a league game this match will now be on quite possibly the worst date possible for RSL. It's almost funny as it is a sign of just how bad the luck is with Real right now. They will be missing close to an entire lineup (11 players) because of injury, suspension, national team duty, and visa issues. This game should be one that RSL simply dominates as Vancouver is arguably the worst team in the league. What is likely to happen, though, is that RSL will struggle with a reserve filled lineup. One thing I can almost guarantee you, it ain't going to be an attractive match to watch.

RSL is on a 3 game losing streak with 3 games left on the season. You don't want to enter the playoffs in the form that RSL is in right now. Thus, this game, I feel, is the beginning of this teams playoff form. They can either right things on this ship, or set course for some really dangerous and likely short-lived (in terms of games played) waters. For RSL to right the ship, a lot of things need to be worked on. Specifically for this game, these three things must done if RSL wants to get any points:

1. Keep Hassli in check

  - The big man for Vancouver plays a very similar role as Saborio for us. He is the target man that releases pressure from their middle and back line. Having seen a few Whitecap matches, there is a common theme: Hassli initiates the offense. Borchers and the rest of the back line have to make sure to keep Hassli in check, force him into quick touches, and not let him have room inside the 18 when a cross is whipped in. Stop him and you hinder a lot of the offensive abilities of the Whitecaps.

2. Team Defense - Win the ball higher

 - Vancouver's defense and midfield are decent, but they tend to be sloppy with the ball when put under any form of pressure. Thus, RSL would do itself a huge favor by implementing a high line of defense and working as a unit. In order to achieve this, the strikers for RSL have to have a high work-rate and force the defense of Vancouver into rushed decisions. PJ is a sure thing to start up top, so his work-rate has to be increased tenfold from what its been since he has returned from injury. We need the old PJ that was willing to work hard and use that burst of speed.

3. Quicker Ball Movement

 - If RSL wants to have any success all at come the end of this season and playoff time, they need to start moving the ball better. This means a lot of things, firstly is that the actual  ball movement needs to be quicker. Instead of taking 3 or 4 touches to get a pass off from the defensive line, players like Borchers and Wingert need to be able to do it in 1 or 2. The quicker we move the ball forward, the more space our midfield and forwards will have to work with. This also means there needs to be better movement by the players off the ball. Borchers and Wingert can't make a 1 or 2 touch pass if the player they are passing to isn't into the space needed by that time. RSL, especially lately, has become very stagnant off the ball. This has to be improved upon if we are going to win games come late October and November.

My Starting XI for RSL
GK: Rimando
LB: Schuler
CB: Borchers
CB: McKenzie
RB: Wingert
LM: Warner
CDM: Grabavoy
RM: Williams
CAM: Gil
FW: Paulo Junior
FW: A. Alvarez

Key Player for RSL: Paulo Junior

 - No Espy (suspension) and no Sabo (Costa Rica) means that PJ has to step into a starting spot at striker for RSL. It also means he is going to have to shoulder the load of offensive threat. His form of late suggests we could be in for a long night in terms of getting a good attack. However, this kid has surprised us before. I'd love for him to do it again. Please?

Prediction: RSL 0 - Vancouver 0
- I simply don't see RSL having any ability to score in this game. With the following players likely missing: Agorsor (injury), Alexandre (Haiti), Y Alvarez (Visa Issues), Beckerman (USA), Beltran (injury), Espindola (suspension), Gonzalez (injury), Johnson (Canada), Morales (turf), Olave (turf), Reynish (injury), Russell (injury/turf) and Saborio (Costa Rica) RSL is going to struggle. That's 13 players that RSL could very easily be missing. Kreis might force some players - Olave, Morales, and Russell -  to play despite them likely needing a rest on the turf, so who knows. If I was Kreis, I wouldn't risk it, not with how late we are in the season. Olave's knees, Morales' ankle, and Russell's whole body are not worth risking on this plastic stuff.

I think our defense is a whole lot better than they've played lately and will be the main focus of this match. These last 3 games will be about building upon one third of the pitch and then moving forward. In Vancouver, it's about fixing the defense. At cRapids it'll be midfield play, and hopefully against Portland we can get the strikers hot again.

FORZA REAL!

Cheers,

15 to 32

Tale of Two Teams

RSL found a way to lose, yet again, down in LA this weekend. Despite having a first half advantage and playing a whole lot better than they have in their past two and a half matches, RSL came out of LA with 0 points. When looking back on this game, something really jumped out at me: who these teams are. RSL started this season wanting to be the best MLS team of all time, winning multiple trophies, and proving its depth. In reality, we're an above average team that can't figure out how to grind out results lately.

Who RSL actually is: Sloppy, slumping team
 -Watching this game, these last few games, hell this whole season has been an emotional roller-coaster. RSL started, as they did in this game, as a team with high hopes. They look to have the talent and skill to accomplish them as well. I mean, Javier Morales and Fabian Espindola, when on, are next to impossible to stop in this league. Those two can simply tear teams apart. Olave and Borchers in the back? Forget about getting any goals there. On paper, this team is as solid as they come. Strong in every position and depth on the bench to back it. Too bad paper isn't where the game is played...

In reality, RSL has shown (and this game really epitomized it) a complete lack of mental strength in tough situations and a lack of discipline overall. The first LA goal was a text book 2011 RSL mess up. Olave has Barrett shielded off, Rimando has a line to the ball, it should be easy pickings. But, for whatever reason, not only does RSL fail to execute, but they allow Barrett to sneak around, chip a ball from feet away, and score what has to go down as one of the ugliest conceded goals of the year. Not to be outdone, only minutes later our defense showed again its lack of discipline late. Poor defending on Beckham's original set piece allowed Dunivant the opportunity to get the ball on the far post. Some terrible luck and poor marking/positioning made it so Borchers scored an own goal via assist from Chris Wingert.

Stuff like this hasn't been happening all year, but RSL has really struggled this season to put it all together. The offense, the defense, set piece defending, midfield movement, etc. Something is always failing and usually destroys this team in the 90 minutes. RSL, in actuality, is a team that lacks composure and mental endurance. Kreis is still figuring the job out - its going to take quite awhile - and his team is proof of where he needs to improve. It's a collective deficiency in this team. Everyone is partly to blame for why we have zero trophies, are not in the Supporters Shield race, and will be praying to god we somehow can make a run in November. The hopes for this team were rightly high, the execution has been below par.


Who RSL wants to be: LA Galaxy

 -  What made this game much more painful was watching LA execute what RSL set out to do this season. The Gals have proven themselves to be a really really good team - especially at home. They don't drop points when they are in a position to get them, and they make a team fight like hell to even get one point off of them. Their team, even with a substantial amount of money invested in few players, has shown itself to have great depth. They are very much in CCL still and look to probably be able to advance to the knockout phases. They've all but locked up the Supporters Shield and look to be the team to beat going into MLS Cup.
When the season started, this was the team everyone thought RSL was going to be. Hard to beat at home. Hard to even get a point off of. Solid defense that doesn't make bad mistakes. Enough discipline to not get suspensions and ejections. Depth to deal with international duty and injuries. Etc. etc. LA has shown itself to be what we wanted to be. Their win in this game essentially sealed the deal for the Supporters Shield. So, RSL, you got to see first hand what it takes to close out on something you set your sights on.

Man of the Match: David Beckham

- I really don't like the guy and his whinny antics, but he was largely responsible for the two goals LA scored on RSL. His set pieces and ability to place a ball in a dangerous position were too much for our defense to handle in the second half. Again, I hate the guys play, but have to give credit where it is due.

Wanker of the Match: Jason Kreis

 - I struggled with which RSL player/coach to put here. Rimando deserves a lot of blame for his complete lack of effort on the first LA goal. Borchers scored a game winning OG, that's never good. Wingert had the game winning assist - pretty rare. Chris Brown is in charge of the defense as a whole, which doesn't look too great right now. etc etc. In the end, though, it falls on the manager - it's part of having the job. Kreis team has gone from super club to faltering foe at the exact wrong time. While he struggles to figure out this team, he needs to really take a long hard look in the mirror. RSL has given up 10 goals in its last 4 games. For a coach who harps on defense as a team, something isn't going right. Oh, and his subbing patterns in the last few games? horrific.

Moment of the Match: Taking off Espy

 - With a yellow card already to his name and his history of getting chippy in tight situations, it somewhat made sense for Kreis to take off Espindola. What didn't add up, however, was that Espindola was already suspended for the next match with that yellow - something Kreis better have known - and was pretty much our only form of attack in the final third. Once Espy went off, we had nothing up top. Paulo Junior continued his run of losing form after injury. In fact, I think Paulo spent more time in our middle and defense third chasing balls he lost rather than being the outlet he is supposed to be. It sucks to say this, but Espy is this teams attack. Without him out there, we're not dangerous at all against a team that has even a somewhat decent defense.

Looking Forward: Vancouver Makeup with Scrubs
 - This Thursday RSL will travel up to Vancouver for the makeup game from earlier this year. It couldn't come at a worse time for RSL. Multiple players will be missing this one for international duty, suspensions, and injuries. In fact, I'm not 100% positive RSL will be able to have 18 players to put on the game day roster. Missing will be: Alexandre (Haiti), A Alvarez (El Salvador), Beckerman (USA), Beltran (injury), Espindola (suspension), Gonzalez (injury), Johnson (Canada), Reynish (injury), Saborio (Costa Rica) and maybe a few others that I'm missing. The starting XI and bench is going to be really interesting for this one. I highly doubt Kreis even travels Olave and Morales given it will be on turf. This could be really ugly - at least Vancouver will probably get their first win in beautiful BC Place.

FORZA REAL

Cheers,

15 to 32

Just don't give up another hat-trick

RSL heads to LA this weekend and I have zero reason to be optimistic about the game. RSL, in their last two and half games, has looked anemic. We can't defend, we can't attack, we can't really do anything. Add that to losing one of the most vital pieces to our team - Beckerman - and there is plenty of reason to be doubtful of points this weekend at LA. The Galaxy are riding high, coming off a huge midweek win against Morelia in CCL action and have tons of momentum on their side. Unless something drastically changes for both teams, this game could very easily be quite one-sided.

I think the best RSL can hope for in this game is a draw. To achieve that, they'll have to play one of the best games of the season. Here are three key areas to RSL having any form of success at the Home Depot Center:

1. Don't give up many set pieces

  - LA has Beckham on their team, a guy who can pick out any single players head on a set piece. Or, if he is in the mood, pick out the top corner on a shot of his own. RSL can't let LA have multiple set pieces in this game or they will be burned on them. Highlights of LA's goals this year are filled with corner kicks and dead balls roughly 20-40 yards away. Our defense is rather shaky on these, so avoiding them is key.

2. Limit space for LA on the ball

 - LA's midfield is absolutely stacked. Between Beckham, Juninho, and Donovan RSL will have their hands full. To disrupt their play, RSL's midfield has to do a lot of movement off of the ball and be willing to close space out wide. In the last two games we've really lacked composure on closing down players space quick enough and have been burned for it. LA has better players than DC and Chicago, so its obvious this area needs massive improvement.

3. Be willing to make a dangerous pass

 - In the offensive end, RSL is going to have to be willing to take some risks if they want to score on a very stout LA defense. A lot of this responsibility will fall on the attacking mid - likely Luis Gil. Instead of making the predictable pass every time to simply keep possession, Gil needs to be willing to try something a bit more creative and dangerous. We do this, and we might be able to catch their defense off guard.

My Starting XI for RSL
GK: Rimando
LB: Russell
CB: Olave
CB: Borchers
RB: Wingert
LM: Johnson
CDM: Alvarez
RM: Warner
CAM: Gil
FW: Paulo Junior
FW: Saborio
Bench: Melia, Schuler, McKenzie, Williams, Morales, Alvarez, Espindola
 - Williams and Espy, in my book, are in need of a bit of rest in this one.

Key Player for RSL: Yordany Alvarez

 - Yordany will have to step in, once again, for KB in the center of the park. This time, though, it'll be against a much better opponent. He struggled really bad in the Chicago game with his positioning, but part of that is because he was having to cover so much down with us being down a man. Hopefully he can play like he did in New York - simple and effective.

Prediction: LA 2 - RSL 0
 - LA is just too damn good - especially at home - to get a result in this one. RSL has the talent to possibly pull it off, but recent form of both teams suggests this one will be very one-sided.

FORZA REAL

Cheers,

15 to 32

Lack of Discipline

Last night's RSL game defined this season for RSL. A complete and utter lack of discipline ruined what should have been an amazing night. This wasn't the first time, nor likely the last, that RSL has shown to lack the mental strength required to win in tight matches. Marco Pappa made RSL pay. Kyle Beckerman lost his temper - again. What separates great teams from good things is execution in the small areas. RSL, this entire season, has shown itself to not have the proper discipline to move to that upper echelon.

There are a lot of things that could be said about the match. I feel it a waste of time to discuss them. Rather, I'll focus on how last nights match epitomized the 2011 RSL season. 3 big areas - and a lot of smaller areas - were not only poorly executed last night, but this season in general. Here are the three:

1. Dead Ball Laziness

 - In numerous games this season RSL has shown a complete and utter lack of focus when defending a dead ball situation. Whether this is a goal kick, set piece, or - in the case of last night - a simple throw-in RSL just losses focus for some strange reason. It's hard to say why this is the case or what can be done about it. It's not a secret, Kreis points it out time and time again and harps on the players in training. Off of dead ball situation, especially throw-ins lately, we just seem inept to defend. We're a step behind, far too much reaction rather than pro-action. Pappa's first goal came directly off the laziness of Russell and Beckerman on a throw-in. Those two got beat by one pass and Olave was forced to defend two players on the edge of the 18. Pappa got the ball, and showed why he - just like DeRo days ago - can not be left alone around the 18.

2. Predictable Play

 - A lot of blame for RSL's lack of creativity lies on the fact that we have been without Javi so much this year. However, that is a pathetic excuse, in my opinion, for how predictable this team can be. Last night, again, showed just how bad this is. From my seats at the top of section 14 I could tell you where pretty much every single RSL pass was going before it was being made - even a couple of passes before it was being made. While it is nice to have a team that wants to keep the ball and work it around, some risks have to be taken with the ball, especially in the offensive third, in order to break down a team with a decent defense. Losing Gil due to Beckerman's red card (and Beckerman for the same reason) killed RSL in this department last night and this whole season. With how we play, we really need players that will do the unpredictable, will pass up the easy pass for a more dangerous one, and are willing to lose the ball occasionally instead of keeping it with a pointless pass. Javier is possibly the saving grace in this regard, but he isn't going to be 90 minutes fit until the playoffs - likely - so banking on him is a bad route to take.

3. Ejections, Suspensions, and Mental Lapses

 - Far too many times this season has this team had to play a man down or make a lineup rotation because of an ejection or suspension. If I was forced to pick one area that has killed RSL this season in regards to winning any silverware, it would be this area. The CCL final had to be played without KB. Why? Lack of discipline in the match at Monterrey. We won't be winning the SS this season. Why? Because we've been too busy serving suspensions and dealing with ejections to get enough points. Beckerman isn't the only player responsible, there have been plenty, but he should carry a large portion of the blame in this department. Not because he has quite a few, but because he wears the captain's armband. More should be expected of him, and he knows it. More should be expected of this team in this department, and Kreis needs to figure a way to get that message across effectively.

Man of the Match: Marco Pappa

 - Dude made our defense and midfield look  just as bad as DeRo did on Saturday. At the rate we've been going in the last two games, Donovan and Keane should be really looking forward to playing us on Saturday as one of them is in store for a hat-trick.

Wanker of the Match: Kyle Beckerman

 - After his ejection the wheels came off. Saborio did have one chance to level things up at 1 a piece, but with how the rest of the game went, it really wouldn't have mattered. Kyle killed us not only because we were playing down a man, but also because we had to sub off Gil - thus losing our lone creative AM - and we lost his services and defensive presence in the middle.

Moment of the Match: Javi's Return

 - A new piece I'll be adding to posts: moment of the match. Last night's, despite the 3 goals and ejection, was easily the moment Javi returned to the pitch. If I could have just come for this, I'd have left a happy man. Well done fans, hopefully the players will make amends for their effort in this game through the rest of the season. And hopefully Javi can in fact be our saving grace.


Looking Forward: Things could get Ugly
 - RSL has 4 games left on the season, the next 3 of which are all on the road. The game this weekend at LA looks impossible to get points out of. LA is on fire, RSL is self-destructing. Following that, RSL has to travel to make-up that game at Vancouver. This game should be one RSL could get points out of, but if things continue the way they are, they won't. Add to that that many players that are starters won't be playing due to the artificial surface and you will understand why my hopes are bleak for that one as well. Following that is the second leg of the RMC at the cRapids. Both teams could be in a tail-spin unless they figure things out in the games before. I wouldn't hold my breath on a win in that one, but you never know what to expect in a RMC match. Lastly, we finish with Portland at home. If they are at all in the playoff picture on the last day, this game is going to be just like the one last night. A team throwing everything they have at us.

With RSL sitting at 51 points and playing the way they have since the 45th minute at New York, I'd be surprised to see us get over 55 points. I want to be wrong, but this team looks to be losing form really bad at a very key moment.

FORZA REAL

Cheers,

15 to 32

Fire @ RSL - Potential Trap Match

After having their reserves get the living crap beat out of them, especially in the first half, RSL returns home to play against the Chicago Fire this Wednesday. This match, in my opinion, is being overlooked by many. A lot of focus is being put on the LA game this weekend, Javi's return, playoff positioning, etc. rather than pure focus on this single match. Chicago has been playing some very good soccer lately, in fact in their last 5 league games they are 4-1. The lone loss in that group came against San Jose, at San Jose. They haven't been beating top teams, but they have been winning nonetheless. Confidence and momentum are huge, especially in a league like MLS where parity is abundant. This midweek game is, in my opinion, one of the most important games left on the schedule for RSL.

The most simple reasoning for the importance of this game is Concacaf Champions League. RSL needs to finish in the top 3 spots (overall and in the West, likely) to set themselves up for the best chance to get into the 2012-2013 CCL. As I stated in my last post, RSL would benefit from finishing high because both LA and Seattle will likely already have CCL tickets and thus any additional tickets they punch (going to the MLS Cup) would slide down to RSL because of their standings.

This match is also important because it is the last game in hand for RSL. After Wednesday, no longer will RSL be able to state that they are back in the standings because they haven't played the same amount of games as Seattle or LA. A win would put us level on points with Seattle, but I believe they have the tiebreaker. Thus, it is obvious why this match is so important.

3 Keys to the Match for RSL:
1. Contain Pappa and Grazzini

 - If you have watched the Fire play at all this season then you will know their attack runs through the middle of the pitch, particularly through Marco Pappa and Sebastian Grazzini. Pappa, in particular, has shown his skill time and time again. Beckerman will likely have the responsibility of defending him, a task that will be incredibly difficult. Grazzini is also a player of great skill. A lot of his good showings are due in part to the attention Pappa draws, but also because of his passing vision. The guy can play a lethal through ball if given the space. Its the players that run onto those through balls that are equally dangerous...

2. Respect the Speed of Oduro and Nyarko

 - Dominic Oduro and Patrick Nyarko are what make Pappa and Grazzini's passes so dangerous. Both players have speed that has burned pretty much every team in the league some time or another in recent years. Not only are they fast, though, but both have great finishing touches - especially Oduro this season. In order to not get burned, the RSL defense will have to be ready for the speed and be setup in a fashion to not get burned. Olave, in particular, will likely play the role of covering. He can't get caught out of position or Chicago will make us pay.

3. Speed of Play - Possession

- To counter a team with good speed, RSL has to value possession and move off the ball well. This falls on the midfield, and largely to the two central players: Beckerman and Gil. These two have to move well off the ball to both keep it and to keep Chicago off balance. The more Chicago has to chase RSL to get the ball back, the less they'll be able to punish us with their speed. KB has to have another great night in the middle - nothing new.

My Starting XI for RSL:
GK: Rimando
LB: Wingert
CB: Borchers
CB: Olave
RB: Russell
LM: Johnson
CDM: Beckerman
RM: Williams
CAM: Gil
FW: Espindola
FW: Saborio

Key Player for RSL: Jamison Olave

 - Defensively Olave will have to be the beast we know he can be. His closing speed will be the deciding factor in many leg races between himself and Oduro. What Olave must also bring is his size on set pieces. Chicago isn't a huge team defensively and thus Olave might be able to burn them on good set piece services. The Verb will need to be in action Wednesday for an RSL win.

Prediction: RSL 2 - Chicago 0
 - Goals from Sabo and Olave
 - Javi makes an appearance for the last 8 minutes
This game is going to be tight, even tighter than the 2-0 margin I'm predicting would suggest probably. Chicago is playing for their playoff lives. They have to get at least a point out of this one, in my opinion, to have a shot at one of those last wild card spots. They'll put it all out there. RSL has to be ready for it or they'll get burned.

FORZA REAL

Cheers,

15 to 32

Embarassing

Real Salt Lake went into DC this weekend with a chance to make up ground on LA and the Supporters Shield. Instead of taking the challenge head on, though, Jason Kreis put out a reserve filled lineup that got thoroughly worked. In a bit of a "taste of your own medicine" opening half, DC United found the back of the net not once, not twice, not even three times. No, in the opening half hour DC United found the net a whopping 4 times against RSL. It wasn't just a bad showing, it was really embarrassing.

A lot of the blame for this rather pathetic showing can be put on the manager. Kreis took a huge risk with his starting 11. 8 players were, in fact, making either first time debuts, returning from injury, or were guys that typically are fighting just for a spot in the 18. Up top he put in Jean Alexandre and Paulo Junior. Alexandre was incredibly out of position, Paulo still has yet to come back to the form we have come to expect. Those injuries have damaged more than just his leg muscles, they seem to have hit his confidence quite severely too. In the middle of the pitch, where the game was being lost from pretty much the opening whistle, Kreis put in Collen Warner, Ned Grabavoy, Arturo Alvarez, and Kyle Beckerman. This midfield has potential, but simply didn't get the job done. Grabavoy, like Paulo Junior, is still in recovery mode. Warner continued his year of disappointment. Beckerman had far too much to handle in this one as everyone in front of him was having a bad game. And lastly, Arturo Alvarez proved just how bad of a signing he has proven to be. The most glaring deficiencies for RSL, though, were in the defense. Blake Wagner made his first MLS start for RSL, one he'll want to forget. Rashawn McKenzie was paired with Borchers in the middle and he simply isn't at the level of Olave or even Schuler. Chris Wingert returned from a long injury and it showed in some of his decision making. Overall, the lineup was a recipe for disaster.

I understand that Kreis wanted to give some guys rest and was showing his faith in the bench with this one. However, looking back on it, this game pretty much officially eliminated us from Supporters Shield contention. The team was on a tear, 5 straight wins, and making up ground on LA. This one loss, though, slowed it all down in a horrific crashing fashion. It was a tall order to win the SS no matter the result, but I'd rather us make the right moves at the end and push LA than pretty much mail it in. No matter what though, it seems the SS is out of reach and RSL is destined to finish either 2nd or 3rd - both overall and in the West.

Man of the Match: Dwayne De Rosario

While it could very easily be argued DeRo shouldn't have been playing in this match but should have been serving a suspension, the guy punished RSL with ease. Maybe Kreis was assuming the disciplinary committee was going to suspend him or something because his team had absolutely no answer for the Canadian. Regardless, the guy had a tremendous night. Gotta give credit where it is due. I'm more and more convinced this guy should be league MVP. If DC can get into the playoffs, it'll be almost all in part because of DeRosario.

Wankers of the Match: Blake Wagner, Arturo Alvarez, and Jason Kreis

Blake got his first start in an RSL shirt... I wouldn't be too surprised if its his last as well. Horrible night. Exposed early and often for his lack of positioning and speed.

When we signed Alvarez in the off season almost every single RSL fan was ecstatic. The guy had burned us so many times for San Jose he just had to be a great player. Well, there was a reason San Jose was fine with him leaving. I don't think the guy even knows how to spell the word "right" because everything with him is left. It is utterly shocking to me that a guy can play at this level yet not even use his weak foot to make routine passes. Alvarez has been possibly the biggest bust in RSL's short history.

Kreis took a huge gamble and paid severely for it. Lesson learned, hopefully. He doesn't belong in this category all the often, but I have to be honest. A lot of the blame for this loss belongs with the manager. Not his better night at all. Maybe he had a deal with DC United? Because we helped them a ton these past two weeks.

Looking Forward: Securing a top 3 spot
RSL's new task for the rest of the season is simple: get healthy and get into form. We have yet to win a single piece of hardware this year - one in which we started with discussions of pulling off the "quad". RSL almost has to win the MLS Cup, in my mind, to not label this season as a bit of a disaster. To do that, we  have to find form. The playoffs are all about who is in the best current form, not who is the best team over the whole season. We've shown we can get hot and win a handful of games in a row both home and away. That's exactly what is in store with the playoffs.

Not only would it be beneficial for RSL to secure a top 3 spot (preferably 2nd) in terms of playoffs, but for next seasons CCL as well. LA is pretty much a lock for the Supporters Shield, thus they will have a ticket punched for next season's CCL edition. Seattle looks to have the USOC locked up as well as its on their home field against the Fire. That means that if we get into the playoffs on the Western side all we'd need to do to make the playoffs is have LA win their first round  match up against the wild card. This is because if they advance, one of RSL, LA, and Seattle will be in the MLS Cup. Both the Cup winner and runner up go to the CCL. If a team holds two spots (as Seattle and LA would if they made it to the final) the second spot would be passed to the next best team on the overall table - which in this case would be Real Salt Lake. I'd much rather  have RSL qualify through earning a spot (making it to the final) but I'd also rather be in next year's CCL no matter how its earned. Thus, despite what many may think, finishing in the top 3 and thus in the Western Conference for the playoffs has huge advantages.

The bottom line is this, though: RSL needs to get into form and play some good soccer here in October and November. They do that, and they'll surely be in next year's CCL. Something we all know we want after having the final on our pitch and then not even get into the group stages of the current edition.

FORZA REAL

Cheers,

15 to 32

Potentially Huge Weekend

RSL travels to DC this Saturday to take on DC United in what is truly a massive game. Both teams are in the hunt for playoff spots, though both at different ends of the playoff standings. DC United is just a point out of the last spot in the playoffs while RSL is in second place, looking to possibly make a move on the Galaxy for that top spot. This game, and this weekend, are huge for MLS. We could see the Supporters Shield essentially be put away by LA, or it could suddenly become a 2 or even 3 team race in the last weeks.

3 Keys to Win for RSL:

1. Midfield Domination

 - With Kyle Beckerman expected to return to the starting lineup, RSL should be that much better in the middle of the park. At New York, on Wednesday, the opening half was pure RSL midfield domination - the second half, not so much. If RSL wants to find a way to get a massive win this weekend, they have to win the midfield battle. DC is without Chris Pontius and the status of De Rosario is still up in the air (possible suspension for his dive). Between Beckerman, Johnson, and whichever other two midfielders Kreis plugs in (Gil and Williams, likely) RSL should be able to win the midfield battle. Win the middle - win the game. That's the typical RSL mantra.

2. Contain Charlie Divies and DeRo (if he plays)

 -  The DC attack is built around these two players. Quaranta and Najar will surely make contributions, but these are the two most dangerous players out there for DC in my opinion. Borchers, Olave, and especially Beckerman have to be at the top of their game. I'd also be in favor of an early hard tackle on Davies for the dive he did when DC visited RSL earlier this year. KB has a fresh start on yellow card accumulation, look for him to likely deliver the blow.

3. Samurai Espindola

- RSL's attack is at its best when Espy gets the ball in dangerous places. The guy is simply on fire right now. RSL needs to use this to their full advantage. Espindola is a headache for every team in this league with how he plays: controlled aggression (great line from Dunseth). He and Sabo work great off of each other when Espy does this and Sabo finds the spaces as a target man. DC's defense showed just how porous they can be against Chivas midweek, time to show it again.

My Starting XI for RSL:
GK: Rimando
LB: Wingert
CB: Olave
CB: Borchers
RB: Schuler
LM: Johnson
CDM: Beckerman
RM: Williams
CAM: Gil
FW: Espindola
FW: Saborio

Key Player for RSL: Luis Gil

 - I fully expect to see Luis return to the starting lineup for this match. In the second half of the New York game it became very obvious we were lacking an attacking midfielder to help release pressure. Luis has shown he can be that guy. To get a win, Luis will need to be on the top of his game. He is the connection between the stout defense and deadly attack.

Prediction: RSL 1 - DCU 0
- Goal from Espy
This is going to be a tight game that could easily be quite sloppy. With both teams coming in off of very short rest, expect the level of play to not be high for the full 90. RSL has a huge advantage, in my opinion, with Beckerman coming in after a suspension. His work rate in the middle could very well be what makes the difference in this game. He and Gil have to work hard for the win. I think they can do it.

Why this Weekend is so big:

 - I mentioned at the beginning of the post that this weekend has huge implications; here is why. While RSL travels to DC this weekend, Seattle and LA will also be on the road. Seattle heads up to Vancouver for the last game at Empire field for the Whitecaps. I'm sure Vancouver really wants a win from that one and thus it should be a great game. LA, who played and lost in Costa Rica on Wednesday, heads to Columbus Saturday for a game that has huge implications as well. LA looks to be faltering a bit, the schedule congestion likely catching up to them, and their once firm grasp on the Supporters Shield is slipping.

LA sits on top of the table with 58 points through 29 games. If they lose (which I fully expect given Columbus will likely need to win to stay on top of the East), they'll obviously stay at 58 points. Seattle (51 points through 29 games), after a tough midweek loss at home, will have their hands full in Vancouver. The loss of Rosales could really sting if they fail to pick up the full 3 points. I expect that game to end in a draw as Vancouver will be throwing everything at them to make their fans happy. Thus, I expect Seattle to be at 52 points come Sunday morning. RSL, 51 points through 28 games, has a huge opportunity on their hands then (assuming these things happen). With a win, they could be just 4 points back of the Galaxy with still one more game in hand - the game next week at home against Chicago. This weekend could very easily, as I said before, determine the Supporters Shield or turn it suddenly into a 3 team race.

FORZA REAL

Cheers,

15 to 3

Half Amazing, Half Brutal, All Awesome

RSL went into Red Bull Arena last night and did something I don't think anybody really had predicted. Not only did they jump out to an early lead, but they thoroughly demolished the home side in the first 25 minutes. The rest of the first half was impressive, though not as much as the first 25 minutes. The second half, on the other hand, was incredibly brutal. Lucky for RSL, they had done enough in the first half to play as bad as they did in the second. All in all, an incredibly huge win for Real not only in terms of playoff positioning, but confidence as well.

 From the opening whistle this game looked like it was going to be wildly entertaining. New York was throwing numbers forward and RSL was answering right back with attacks of their own. The break through came off of a controversial corner kick call. Espy went to whip a ball in from the wing with Albright defending him. Upon replay, Espy crossed the ball into his own foot but the sideline official thought the ball had struck Albright and gone out. Regardless, the defending the NY exercised on the subsequent corner was inexcusable. Saborio got open far too easily and headed the ball home into the near post - where a defender was not for some reason. Only minutes later RSL added to their lead. Tim Ream, who continues to show just how over hyped he truly is, went to play a back pass to Rost, the goalkeeper for NY, as Espy applied some pressure. The back pass went maybe 5 feet and sat right in front of Espindola. He coolly touched the ball around Rost and fired into the open net. As if things couldn't get any worse for the home side, in the 21st they were broken down again. A nice combination play in the midfield found Warner alone in the middle. He split the two center backs for New York with a simple - though very beautiful - through ball and Espy was in again. His toe poke past Rost made it 3-0 to the visitors with only 21 minutes taken off the clock. The rest of the first half was much like the opening minutes. Both teams were throwing numbers at each other and the game looked to be very much in RSL's favor. Halftime came and you could tell the home side, and especially their fans, were simply stunned.

The second half was something completely different. Possibly Kreis told his side to take it easy (hopefully) or RSL just thought the lead too large for New York to come back. In any case, the second half was all New York. RSL didn't look to possess the ball much, nor did they look to overexert themselves past the midfield stripe. In fact, it seemed the game plan was to solely win the ball and then subsequently dump it long to Espy and Sabo and have them figure it out on their own. To say it simply: that didn't work. New York was applying pressure and it became incredibly obvious by about the 60th minute that they were going to find the net. Lindpere nearly opened up the scoring shortly thereafter for the home side with a shot that was absolutely indredible. Equally incredible was the save by Rimando, it must be said. This shot served as a warning, not desperation, though, as New York found the back of then net only minutes later. With 20 minutes remaining, New York had all the momentum and was only down by 2 goals. The chances came for them to get another one back, but they simply couldn't do it: the story of New York's season right there. In the end, RSL walked away rather comfortably (overall) with a 3-1 win. A massive win, it can't be understated. Like the win at Seattle, against KC, and at Chivas, this win showed that RSL is capable of playing beautiful soccer and ugly soccer - in the same match - to get a win.

Man of the Match: Fabian Espindola

 A lot of players were in the running for this. Schuler, once again, showed he is a capable replacement at outside back. He got burned a few times by Richards, but that was to be expected. Will Johnson, similarly, had an incredible night I thought. Saborio, especially in the first 45, looked very dangerous. Even the new guy in the middle, Cuban Alvarez (not to be confused with Lefturo Alvarez), had an incredible night given the expectations. Espy, though, was the man. With the brace he put the game away. Dude is on fire, lets hope it continues through October and especially November.

Wanker of the Match: Tim Ream

Both he and Marquez had especially bad nights. Tim Ream, though, should appear on the stat sheet for game winning assist. That alone vaults him to the top of the wanker list for this match. Though, to Marquez's credit, he did start to go at it with his own fans. As if the wheels weren't coming off enough already in New York, one of their DP's (who will be gone next season, no doubt about it) has to show just how big of a diva he truly is.

Looking Forward
This weekend could be the deciding weekend in terms of the Supporters Shield race. LA, after a tough 1-0 loss in Costa Rica last night, travels to Columbus for MLS play. RSL travels to DC for a game that looks to be a must win situation for DC. If LA losses, which I fully expect them to do after playing their first team on turf in Costa Rica, and RSL wins (very hopeful thinking) RSL will only be 4 points behind LA with still one more game in hand. Equally important is the Seattle match at Vancouver. If they get a win there (which I expect them to do) coupled with a LA loss, they too will only be 4 points back (though level on games played). Its a massive weekend. One which could all but wrap up the SS for LA, or make it suddenly a 3 team race again.

FORZA REAL

Cheers,

15 to 32