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!!!

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