CCL: RSL v Columbus Crew, Leg 2

Here we go.
March 1st at the RioT, sounds so warm, doesn't it.

This game will be one of the most important matches ever played at the RioT, heck, its one of the most important matches of this clubs entire history (yeah, its that short). Coming home after an uneventful but at the same time eventful match in Columbus Ohio, the score is locked at 0-0. 3 players will be serving suspensions in this match after being sent off in the Ohio leg.

One of those three was a Crew member, the other two were RSL players. Tony Beltran, who seemingly just won the starting right back position from Robbie Russel, had his night end far too early on a second yellow that was, in all honesty, a bad tackle but not worthy of a yellow let alone a second yellow to send him off.

The other 2 sending offs went hand in hand as Renteria, for Columbus, decided he would send a message to Nat Borchers with his elbow. For whatever reason, the assistant referee didn't stop play right that second and have Renteria sent off. So, in a rather stupid move, Nat took matters into his own hands. While he will claim he simply put his knee out and sorta tripped Renteria, it was a stupid stupid way of getting even. The AR, after having Nat draw his attention, was checking up on the two and didn't hesitate to stop play this time (oh the irony). He has Nat sent off as Renteria went down like a ton of bricks with the knee. This was somewhat deserved, but really it proved that retaliation gets punished far more often than the initial act. However, the real weirdness came when suddenly the AR remembered what Renteria did and had him sent off as well. Really a bizarre, and to be honest, horrible way of dealing with the situation. Justice was served, I guess you could say, but it all could have been avoided if the AR would have stopped play the first time. Regardless, Nat knows he shouldn't do that.

These two ejections, along with the Tony Beltran one, make this match incredibly interesting. Nat is one of the leaders of this squad, especially for the defense. Kyle may wear the armband, but Nat truly leads that back line. Without him, it will be interesting to see who takes charge. Filling in for Nat will be, and this is mostly a guess as its so early in the season, Rauwshan McKenzie. The youngster had some good and some bad matches last year. This is his chance to get off on the right foot with the fans and more importantly the coaching staff. His performance at Mexico City has many cautious, but a good showing here will help people forget that crazy 5-4 monsoon night.

Filling in for Tony Beltran will be the guy that Tony stole the starting position from, Uncle Phil...

I mean Robbie Russell. The veteran back is the only player on the squad with European Champions League experience, so honestly its not a downgrade at all. In fact, in a match that requires RSL attack much more, he is likely the better option. His crossing abilities are better than Beltran's, though his marking isn't as good. This move may have happened regardless of the ejection to Beltran, so really RSL wont be hurting.

For Columbus, well their ejection might have been a blessing in disguise. Because of the actions of Renteria, Jeff Cunnigham, aka member/leader of the RSL Killer's group, will take the starting position for the Crew up top. Jeff has, as we all know, a rather interesting history with RSL. He was sent packing by Jason Kreis when he first became coach, even despite winning the golden boot the season before. Jeff always seems to get up for games against RSL, especially in the fortress known as the RioT. Jeff will be the guy testing the youngster McKenzie, along with Jamison Olave. In all likelihood, Olave will draw the main responsibility of marking Cunningham. Depending upon the officiating, this could be a good or a bad thing. I have yet to see who will be the center ref for this match, so I cant give my true opinion on this quite yet.

What makes this game really interesting is the application of the away goals rule. Within the 90 minutes of regular time (I will get to why this is key later on) the away goals rule applies, meaning that if there is a draw that is anything but 0-0, the Columbus Crew would advance. Thus, I think the Crew will come out attacking much more than many expect. Even if they open themselves up a little bit, a goal in their favor is gigantic. This likely attacking focus, along with a pitch that has been covered and heated (isn't technology awesome) and will thus be in much better shape than the ice rink at Crew Stadium, will make this game exciting.

Projected Starting XI for the Columbus Crew:

GK: Hesmer (back from injury, wonder how his G-ma is)

LB: Gardner

CB: Iro

CB: Balchan

RB: Miranda (MOTM in the first leg, player to watch)

LM: Rogers (key player going at Russell)

CDM: Grossman (marked on Javi, key to RSL/CBus success)

RM: Gaven (Wingert's big responsibility

CAM: Ekpo (Beckerman should shut him down, again)

FW: Cunningham (see below)

FW: Mendoza (only player with real chance on goal last match)

Crew Key Player of the Match: Jeff Cunningham

Jeff will be the guy for the Crew, if it's going to be anybody, to find the back of the net. He would love nothing more than to be the person responsible for sending RSL home too soon in the tournament.

My projected starting XI for RSL:

GK: Rimando (will be required to make some big saves)

LB: Wingert (on Gaven, big match up)

CB: Olave (on Cunningham, big match up)

CB: McKenzie (youngsters time to prove worth)

RB: Russell (see below)

LM: Johnson

CDM: Beckerman

RM: Grabavoy

CAM: Morales (needs to be the engine)

FW: Espindola (needs to play better this leg)

FW: Saborio (has been our CCL go to guy)

For RSL, the key player of the match is, for me, Robbie Russell

He will likely be our main weapon on crosses. Saborio is tremendous in the air and with Chad Marshall likely out for the Crew, RSL will look to challenge them with crosses. He will also have to take a bit of a leadership type role with Borchers out. He and Wingert will share this responsibility, but I think Russell will be a key to the RSL success.

Prediction: RSL 3 - Columbus 1

30' Saborio (RSL)

41' Cuningham (CLB)

60' Olave (RSL)

85' Paulo Junior (RSL)

RSL opens the scoring, Columbus draws level before half. RSL comes flying out of the gates in the second half and gets one off a set piece. Columbus pushes late to try and equalize, leaving their defense exposed, and Paulo Junior (as a sub for Espy) comes on and finishes the deal.

RSL advances to the semis

The seats are filling fast for this one, so be sure to get a ticket if you haven't already. Should be an electric night.

Cheers,
15 to 32

FORZA REAL

Post RSL v CBus CCL

Well that was ugly...
...in so many ways. The first and most obvious one was the play itself. RSL could not string together more than a couple passes it seemed. The field was also in quite a horrendous shape, which didn't help the play much either. Lastly, and what ruined the return leg (or made it that much more interesting) was the officiating.


Three red cards would make one believe this was an extremely dirty match with players out of control. From what I saw, this was not the case at all. It was obvious it was the first truly competitive game of the season for both teams (and the ref) given the timing of tackles and such. The ref should take this into account. Beltran's first tackle was worthy of a yellow, no doubt. He was late and came through the player (Ekpo, I believe) pretty hard. However, the second one was, at most, a regular foul. He came in from the side, missed the ball or possibly even got a part of it, and simply tripped Garey. The ref, for whatever reason, decides to not do the typical talking to the player knowing he is on a yellow. No, instead he instantly goes to his book and sends Tony off. Marrufo, you blow. I cant really comment on the Borchers/Renteria sending off as I did not see what happened. However, to send both players off something substantial must have happened (and then someone reacted). I didn't take Borchers as the fiery type. Much of the talk has been that Olave is the one with the issues and Borchers the rock. It really wasn't a great time for Nat to challenge people's opinion on him.


As for the actual game itself, I'll put it simply: Columbus was the better side. RSL had moments of their beautiful play, however they couldn't really ever build anything and get a dangerous shot off. When RSL plays well they force the other team to clear their lines in awkward ways and/or give up corners. RSL had 0 corners in the match. That, alone, tells you the kind of day it was for the boys in red. I think the pitch obviously played a factor, as did the cold itself along with it being the first true match; however this team looked like it was playing its first day of preseason soccer. The chemistry was somewhat there, as it should be given the amount of time these guys have been together, but it was so disjointed at times it really didn't ever materialize the way we are so familiar with.


As for the Crew, so much for "re-building". They looked to have things at least somewhat figured out and, in all honesty, have a team ready to compete in MLS play. I think depth will surely be an issue for them, but hell we didnt expect much out of their starters so who knows what to expect from that bench. I tip my hat to their staff, they did well to prepare for this match and really were the better side, overall, on the night. Their red, really, might become a blessing in disguise. Jeff Cunningham, one of the "RSL Killers", will now be starting. Add in that Borchers wont be back there (or Tony) and you have to say Columbus really gained an advantage in that red. Renteria, well done. Man of the match possibly?


The return leg is wide open. RSL has some tough decisions to make in the back line given that 2 starters will be serving suspensions. I wonder if Kreis is comfortable with putting McKenzie or Schuler back with Olave or if he will slide Russell in and use someone else at right back. Either way, RSL has to focus on the offensive end of the ball. If, and that's a huge if, we get a goal, we cant simply sit back and defend. Say Columbus ties it up at 1-1, they would be advancing. Away goals count as a little more in this competition, so RSL has to come out thinking it will score 2 goals. If I was Kreis, I would tell the guys they are down a goal. Yes, they need to focus on defending well, but you have to score, period.

This next part is a new addition I want to add for my blog. A lot of people like to add "man of the match" and I'm all for that. However, I will also be adding "wanker of the match" as that is so much more interesting. So, for last nights CCL first leg:

Man of the Match: Sebastian Miranda
- The new outside back for the Crew had a terrific night and was a large part of the reason why RSL simply couldn't build anything offensively. Great addition for the Crew, this kid is good.

Wanker of the Match: Jair Marrufo
- This guy seems to always want to put his stamp on the match. As a center ref, that's a terrible habit to have. However, he didn't let us down as he sent 3 players off and made the second leg at the RioT all that more interesting.

I'll do a pre-game report for the return leg likely this weekend or Monday (its Spring Break, yay!). Tune in for that.

Cheers,
15 to 32

Great Video

This video was created by a fan mixing a bunch of different commercials and such.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ohiH45QwC0
Simply awesome

CCL: RSL @ Columbus

And so it begins...

2011 starts off with a bang as RSL goes to Columbus to play in, arguably, one of the biggest matches of its history. The weather will be freezing, the attendance will likely be small, but the passion will be 100% there. Columbus has been branded as a "rebuilding" team, at the moment, and would love nothing more than to prove they are legit by knocking off one of the favorites for the MLS season in CCL play. They have nothing to lose, which is scary for RSL. The boys in red have all the expectations weighing down on them. Anything but a result (or even a win) is going to get some bad publicity from many looking for any possible reason to kick the Utah team down.

I have stated before and I will again, this match will be very tight. Both teams play, traditionally, good soccer. They don't kick and hope and they aren't overly dirty in the tackle department. They make the game as beautiful as possible. Those thinking Columbus lost everything by losing GBS will be surprised to see young #17 Ekpo in the middle of the pitch. He, along with Rodgers, will give this Columbus team life. They are the players to watch for Columbus and will make or break this series for them. Injuries have come at the worst possible time for the Crew as 2 starters came down last week with injuries. Their 1st and 2nd string keepers are also supposed to be sitting, at least this first leg, on the bench. Their lineup will likely be missing some components, but it will still be solid. They have Marshall and Iro in the back, which is enough to keep them in any game.

Player to Watch/X Factor for Columbus: Emmanuel Ekpo. The GBS replacement?

On the RSL side of the ball, things have only gotten better and better. Espy, Javi, and Alvarez all are training 100% after picking up nagging injuries. The only injuries listed for the squad are to Campos and Arnoux, two forwards that wouldn't even see the selected 18, let alone the pitch. RSL will likely come out in its 4-4-2 diamond midfield. Many of the spots are secured, but a few are up in the air. Here is what I expect to see, with *'s next to those that may possibly get rotated out.

FW:Paulo Junior*

FW: Saborio
AM: Morales

LM: Johnson

RM:Grabavoy*
DM: Beckerman
LB: Wingert

CB:Olave

CB:Borchers

RB: Beltran*

GK:Rimando

- Paulo Junior has been impressive all preseason and took advantage of Espindola's injury he picked up. Espy was having a great preseason, as well, up to that injury so him earning the starting spot back wouldn't be too big of a surprise

- The right side of the pitch is a bit of a question mark for RSL. In the midfield, it seems as though Grabavoy has the starting spot secured. However, Collen Warner has been really making an argument for himself and Andy Williams is Andy Williams. I think Grabs will get the starting spot, but it will be interesting to see who between Andy and Warner is the first sub used.

- At right back we have the battle between Russell and Beltran still going on. I think Beltran is the better option, but Russell isn't too shabby either. The spot was Russell's last season, so Beltran will have to do something special to win it from him. I think Russell's issue of tracking midfielders and forwards will be what gives Beltran the start, in the end.

Player to Watch/X Factor for RSL: Javier Morales. The man who runs the show

Overall this is a great match up. Both teams lucked out in that they didn't draw an opponent who was in the middle of their season all set to go. Both teams have zero 2011 "competitive matches" under their belts. This game will show some rust, I promise you that. However, it will be great for both teams, regardless of the result, come MLS play in a couple weeks. These 2 matches will prime the teams for their openers and give them an edge.

As for my prediction on this first leg, I'm gonna stick with what I posted last time: 1-1. RSL has yet to keep a clean sheet in CCL play, but has yet to be shutout themselves. A 1-1 draw will be a great result for the boys as then they come home to the RioT with all the power in their hands. The lone RSL goal will come from none other than Alvaro Saborio. A 0-0 draw at home would put them through, even, considering the away goals rule is in effect. Therefore, a goal in this first leg is of huge importance for RSL. I think they will get it, and wouldn't be surprised to see them hang one or two more on the 3rd string keeper that Columbus is using.

FORZA RSL!!!

15 to 32

Champions League - UEFA and CONCACAF

Its that time of year, the champions league is getting to the big games and the silverware is only a few games away for each team. On the UEFA side, of course I will be pulling for Milan. On the CONCACAF side, its all RSL, of course. With that said, here is how I see things going in the round of 16 in UEFA and the quarters for CONCACAF:

UEFA:
AC Milan v Tottenham Hotspurs
One of the best matchups in the round right here. I obviously have a biased opinion towards Milan, but honestly think they have the edge in this one. Spurs have lost a lot of their early season momentum. Milan, on the other hand, seems to be clicking very well at the moment (see the 4-0 thrashing they gave to Parma over the weekend). With players like Ibra, Robinho, Pato, Cassano, etc. the offensive side of things should be great for Milan. Spurs, especially without Bale for the first leg, just wont be able to defend that well for that long.
- 1st leg @ Milan: AC Milan 3 - Tottenham 1
- 2nd leg @ Spurs: AC Milan 1 - Tottenham 1
- AC Milan advances -

Valencia v Schalke
Though this match up doesn't feature two big clubs, it does feature a great match up. Schalke is a top team, but Valencia is incredibly difficult to play against, especially in Spain. The first leg will really be vital for t his one. I think the Spanish team will pull it out with a big opening win and then hang on for dear life in the second leg.
- 1st leg @ Valencia: Valencia 3 - Schalke 0
- 2nd leg @ Schalke: Valencia 0 - Schalke 2
- Valencia advances -

Roma v Shaktar Donetsk
Shakhtar were the surprise group winners, can they continue this form against the side from Rome? I believe they can. Roma is in a bit of a slump this year overall. They have a few bright spots here and there, but are not the same Roma team that can play with anyone. I think Shaktar comes into Rome and gets a draw then takes it home to win it.
- 1st leg @ Roma: Roma 1 - Shakhtar 1
- 2nd leg @ Shakhtar: Roma 1 - Shakthar 2
- Shakhtar Donetsk advances -

Arsenal v Barcelona
The draw being billed the best of the round. I think Barca is the best team in the world when they are on, no doubt. However, if there was one team that could possibly keep up with them on flow its Arsenal. I have little faith in the team from London, however, and think Barca will prove just too much.
- 1st leg @ Arsenal: Arsenal 1 - Barca 1
- 2nd leg @ Barca: Arsenal 0 - Barca 2
- Barcelona advances -

Kobenhavn v Chelsea
It always amazes me that Chelsea seems to get a rather weak draw in the first knockout round. This year, again, is no exception. Chelsea should murder Kobenhavn (I like this spelling better). However, Chelsea has proven to struggle in games where the goal is begging for them to score. Closer than expected, but still goes to the Chelskea
- 1st leg @ Kobenhavn: Kobenhavn 0 - Chelsea 0
- 2nd leg @ Chelsea: Kobenhavn 1 - Chelsea 2
- Chelsea advances -

Lyon v Real Madrid
Madrid had the chance to play at home last year in the final, but Lyon got in their way. Its only fitting that the chosen one has to beat them right off the bat to prove he is different. I think Madrid has their hands full with this one, but that they will edge out Lyon in a thriller. Lots of goals is what I predict.
- 1st leg @ Lyon: Lyon 2 - Madrid 2
- 2nd leg @ Madrid: Lyon 2 - Madrid 3
- Real Madrid advances -

Marseille v Manchester United
United are back in form after a very slight dip. The win against City over the weekend was proof that this team could very easily dominate anyone no matter the amount of money and talent they have. Marseille will be lucky to hang with United, I think.
- 1st leg @ Marseille: Marseille 0 - United 2
- 2nd leg @ Manchester: Marseille 0 - United 2
- Manchester United advances -

Internazionale v Bayern Munich
A lot of people are sleeping on this gigantic match up. With the focus on Arsenal/Barca, its understandable. However, this rematch of the final should be a great one. I loathe both teams, and wish they both could lose, but to say they don't both play some good football would be a complete lie. Inter seems to be turning things around since they got their new coach. Bayern is struggling in league play, so what a better place than the champions league than to make up for it. I see this one going to penalties in Munich, honestly.
- 1st leg @ Inter: Inter 1 - Bayern 0
- 2nd leg @ Munich: Inter 0 - Bayern 1.
- Bayern advances on penalties -

That means I have these 8 making it to the quarters:
AC Milan
Valencia
Shaktar Donetsk
Barcelona
Chelsea
Real Madrid
Manchester United
Bayern Munich
- The spanish with the most teams (3)


CONCACAF
On the CONCACAF ends of things, the Champions league is wide open. I think the Mexican side of the bracket is really going to be fun to watch.

Columbus Crew v Real Salt Lake
With Columbus seemingly "rebuilding" many people are just handing this one to RSL. However, I am not buying into this cake walk. I honestly think RSL has their hands full, and if preseason is any indicator (which really its not, but it needs to be pointed out) their defense is struggling. On the other end, Columbus has had some rather decent preseason games and all this talk about "rebuilding" is a bunch of crap. I see this one being a whole lot closer than anyone expects
- 1st leg @ Columbus: Crew 1 - RSL 1
- 2nd leg @ Salt Lake: Crew 1 - RSL 2
- Real Salt Lake advances -

Cruz Azul v Santos Laguna
This matchup is worthy of a final. Both teams are tremendous and both play the game til the final whistle (RSL knows to well). I think Cruz Azul, even despite finishing 2nd in their group, is the team to beat on this side of the bracket. They have far too much talent, especially up top, to be taken lightly. The first leg in Mexico City is going to be really telling of this series.
- 1st leg @ Azul: CA 3 - Santos 1
- 2nd leg @ Santos: CA 1 - Santos 2
- Cruz Azul advances -

Toluca v Monterrey
Monterrey simply destroyed their group they played in and honestly I dont think Toluca has what it takes to hang with them in this tournament. Monterrey, I would wager, will even win the first leg @ Toluca just to prove their dominance.
- 1st leg @ Toluca: Toluca 0 - Monterrey 2
- 2nd leg @ Monterrey: Toluca 1 - Monterrey 3

Saprissa v Olimpia
This is honestly the matchup of the round. Two teams that really have a lot going for them on home soil and that simply dont like each other. I think this one is going to have goals left and right. I think we see extra time needed to figure it out.
- 1st leg @ Saprissa: Saprissa 3 - Olimpia 2
- 2nd leg @ Olimpia: Saprissa 3 - Olipia 4
- Saprissa advances on a goal in OT in the 2nd leg -


My predictions would thus have, in the semis:
RSL v Saprissa
Cruz Azul v Monterrey

Should be a great couple of weeks of soccer ahead.

Cheers,

15 to 32

(FORZA MILAN & FORZA RSL

2011 MLS Regular Season Schedule

It is here.
And I, like many others, am not overly excited with what MLS gave RSL for their 2011 schedule. Don't get me wrong, I want to see the boys in red as much as possible and as soon as possible, but 7 games before Memorial Day is crazy given our attendance history. Pre-Memorial Day games tend to not sell well unless given a crazy discount/deal; and even then they struggle to get over 75% capacity. This season is truly going to test the RSL Front Office (RSLFO) in terms of getting the word out and finding a way to attract fans to games in weather that isn't exactly lovely all the time.

Here is the 2011 schedule: http://www.realsaltlake.com/schedule

A couple points I want to make about this schedule:

1) It is built around Concacaf Champions League, which is wonderful. It gives RSL ample time (if they advance past Columbus) to travel to either Costa Rica or Honduras. If we get past that match up (huge if) then there is a gap for us to travel to Mexico as well. MLS helped both us and Columbus out in this effort, but it does hurt us later on in the season with some heavy congestion.

2) It essentially send "screw you" to the traveling fans of the RMC. We host the cRapids on a Wednesday... IN APRIL. How exactly those "fans" are supposed to get here is beyond me. People work, have families, previous plans, etc. That stuff is far more important than the rivalry game. Sadly, that game will lose some of its edge, if you will, because of this schedule. The game in Colorado is on a Friday in October. It gives RSL fans time to arrange stuff (at least more than cRapid fans) but it still isn't a weekend game that people can swing easier. My buddy and I made the trip out there last season on Saturday morning because we both had work and school during the week. There is no way we could have gone if it was on a Friday, let alone a Wednesday.

3) 9 of the last 13 are on the road for RSL. With our history, sans last year, on the road this is a scary thing. I am fully confident that our road struggles wont be as bad as they have been in previous years, but its not like we are the same team away from the RioT as we are there (everyone will admit that). We need to build a substantial lead in the first half of the season to have a real shot at the Supporters Shield.

4) We finish the season against Portland?! I really didn't get this part of the schedule at all. We have a great tradition with the cRapids in that we finish the season playing against each other and thus crowning a RMC champion (at least in the last 2 years). Now, we play against the new expansion side to finish the season? Why are they not playing Seattle (or Vancouver) to end the season and why are we not playing the cRapids? I don't get what MLS was thinking. Sure, there are going to be CCL issues for both the cRapids and Seattle, but that didn't seem to matter too much last year.

5) A month by month break down of matches is rather interesting.
(just of MLS matches)
March: 1 home game, 1 road game
April: 2 home games, 2 road games
May: 3 home games, 1 road game
June: 3 home games, 3 road games
July: 4 home games, 1 road game
August: 1 home game, 4 road games
September: 2 home games, 3 road games
October: 1 home game, 2 road games
- July and August see a lot of games (with potentially more) in the summer heat
- August through September has loads of travel
- The opening 5 months will make or break this season

6) Big matches to keep an eye on:
March:
- 19th @ SJ. Season Opener is always big. Hope we can repeat what we did last year there
- 26th vs LAG. An early preview of the Western Conference Finals, perhaps?

April:
- 13th vs cRapids. The RMC will be that much more interesting with the two teams on the field being the previous 2 MLS Cup winners.
- 30th @ PDX. Going to that place will be interesting. I'm tempted to fly out

May:
- 7th vs Chivas USA. Our "rivalry" might have something to it with Fraser now their coach. Side note: watch out for Chivas this year
- 14th vs HOU: We dont like each other, and our games prove it over the past couple of years.
- 22nd @ FCD: Time to avenge that far too early playoff exit.

June:
- 8th @ CBus: No matter which way the CCL match-up goes, this will be the first time the teams see each other afterwards. Should be entertaining considering our history, as well.
- 18th vs DCU: Charlie Davies back at the RioT?! That sounds awesome to me

July:
- 4th vs NE: I find it funny ESPN picked up this game (of all the home RSL games). I think it's because the last 2 years we have had plenty of fireworks when they came here (11 goals in 2 games for RSL)
- 9th vs FCD: The fans will get to avenge that loss, now. Also, we tend to have crazy games against them at the RioT.
- 16th @ VAN: Like the Portland game, this will be interesting for the boys.

August:
- 3rd @ SKC: First time for RSL in their new (beautiful) stadium. Should be a whole lot better than that baseball field.
- 6th vs NYRB: Henry, Marquez, Lindpere, Richards, etc. This game will be good, mark my words.

September:
- 10th @ SEA: 2009 doesn't seem that far away when you think about it. Going back to where we finished that crazy run will be awesome. Like the PDX and VAN games, crowd should be great.
- 21st @ NYRB: The stadium is beautiful, the teams play good soccer, and if last the game is like last year it should be wonderful to watch.

October: (all games)
- 1st @ LAG. Given the timing of the game and expectations for the teams, this could be huge for the Supporters Shiled or at least Western Conference 1st seed.
- 14th @ cRapids: Do I even have to explain this one? Go get the RMC (again)
- 22nd vs PDX: End of the season, not against who it should be, but this league always proves to have some wild regular season finishes.


Overall, I am happy to have the schedule and be able to "plan my life around RSL" (sorry to my wife and daughter). There are some obvious flaws, but its MLS, those were to be expected. I can't wait for the 22nd as we get to finally see the boys play in a meaningful match. Then on the 1st, live in person. This season has the potential, as many people have stated, of being something truly special. CCL, MLS, Playoffs, Open Cup, the RMC, etc. We could win a host of trophies this year. But, lets do this one step at a time. Columbus on the 22nd is the sole focus of this squad (I have faith in Kreis about this). After that, it will be on the 1st. Lets not get too worked up over what could be this year.

RSL @ Columbus at 6pm on February 22nd on FSC. Be there (in front of your TV) cheering the boys on wearing your RSL colors.

Cheers,
15 to 32