Pre RSL vs LA Galaxy

It's an MLS Cup 2009 rematch...It looks like the weather will be just as cold, so bring your warm gear and outside voices. With it being an international date (damn you MLS for not taking these off) multiple players will be missing from both sides. Also, the injury bug has struck. Neither team will be able to field their regular XI, which is a shame considering these are probably two of the best teams (if not the 2 best teams) in the league. For LA: Landon Donovan will be out on international duty with the Yanks (GO USA!!!) and Donovan Ricketts is still out with an injury. Other than that, though, LA looks to have most their starters. Omar Gonzalez is listed as probable, but he fully participated in practice on Thursday with the Gals so I would expect him to be out there. The starting XI will probably be something like this, for LA:

(4-4-2)

GK: Saunders

LB: Dunivant

CB: De La Garza

CB: Gonzalez

RB: Franklin

LM: Stephens

CAM: Juninho

CDM: Birchall

RM: Beckham

FW: Barrett

FW: Angel

For RSL, the personnel situation is much worse. Alvaro Saborio, Will Johnson, and Arturo Alvarez are all out on international duty (congrats and good luck to each of them). On top of that, Jamison Olave looks doubtful, Nick Rimando is questionable, and Chris Wingert is also doubtful. RSL is, thus, going to have to prove its depth in its first home game of the 2011 MLS regular season. I have worries about the chemistry of the squad, especially with Will and Sabo out, but I think we are deep enough to pull it off. The starting XI for RSL I would expect:

(4-4-2)

GK: Rimando

- Doubt the bone spur keeps him out if it is as reported

LB: Beltran

- Will have huge responsibility on Beckham

CB: Schuler

- LA will be whipping the ball into JPA, a lot

CB: Borchers

- Has to be sound for us to be successful

RB: Russell

- Can't get beat easily as he has in the past

LM: Grabavoy

- Needs to help Beltran make Beckham go left

CAM: Morales

- Need him to step up like he did last year against LA at the RioT

CDM: Beckerman

- Our Becks has to be better

RM: Williams

- We need both Andy and Javi on with their passing

FW: Espindola

- Would love to see that same work rate he showed against Saprissa

FW: Paulo Junior

- Replacing Sabo is a huge task. Just keep it simple

This game will be, as most games are, won in the midfield. The attacking power of each team is fairly similar, with the possible edge going to LA (the JPA addition is huge, I think). I think we have a slight edge defensively just because of size and chemistry. The middle of the park is a battle of two similar yet different styles. I think LA will really look to spread us out and use an aerial attack supplied by Golden Balls himself. This match up is the key to the match.

Key player to watch for LA: David BeckhamWith Donovan gone, Beckham will be given (at least according to reports) the captain's armband. His history suggests he should be able to handle himself in this situation, but the RioT is a very unique place if you ask me. He will likely be, along with Juninho, the main focus of RSL's defense. If LA gets a goal, I would bet Beckham has something to do with it. Most likely a cross.

Key Player to watch for RSL: Ned Grabavoy

It would be rather easy to use one of the typical RSL key players, like Beckerman or Morales, for this one, but I think this game is going to take something a bit extra. Ned has a history of being a great role player and occasionally stepping up big (see home game vs Chivas last year). For RSL to be successful Ned has to work his tail off on both ends. he will be replacing the energizer bunny known as Will Johnson so the shoes are mighty big (and worn out). He is likely going to be put on the same side as Beckham (our left, their right) and thus will be pivotal in shutting down the initial LA attack. I have a good feeling Ned will step up for this one.

Prediction:
In the end, this game will be a great one to watch; even if the weather sucks. I have faith in the good guys in red, especially on our home field. The first 15 minutes will be very telling. I think RSL comes flying out the gate ready to win.

Score: RSL 3 - LA 2

- PJ with a brace, Javi with the winner.

- JPA and Beckham with the LA goals

Hope to see all of you out there freezing your balls off (or if you are a woman... your bums) with me.

Cheers,

15 to 32

FORZA REAL