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