Thought the final score of the game will say Saprissa were the victors, the feelings were the exact opposite for the teams. RSL prevailed in a rather entertaining (though somewhat sloppy) match down on the carpet in Costa Rica. I haven't been as nervous as I was for this match in quite some time. The closest I can think of was the 2009 MLS Cup Final in Seattle. If I'm this much of a mess in the semis, lord knows how bad it'll be on April 19th (@ Mexico) and, especially, April 27th (@ the RioT). Last night was a testament to the team and mentality that Kreis (and Garth, and Manning, and Checketts, etc.) has built. Playing in one of the most intimidating stadiums in this region, the guys looked fairly calm and composed. It was truly a special night of confirmation about just how good this team can be... even when they lose.
Game Thoughts: First Half RSL did exactly what they needed to do in the first 45. They weathered an initial storm and then, slowly, took over the match. It was never as one-sided as the match at the RioT (few matches on the road ever are, its just how the sport works) but there were times when RSL was showing pure class despite the fact that Saprissa players were laying it all on the line and holding nothing back in their attack. In fact, RSL had arguably the best opportunity for a goal in the first half when Andy did what he always seems to do and find a passing lane nobody else thought possible. His little chipping pass from the top of the 18 to Kyle's feet was just absurd. Kyle's first touch was sloppy but decent enough to allow him to get a shot off. In hindsight, Beckerman had loads of time to settle the ball, possibly with another touch, and slot home the shot. Instead, Kyle did what he really should do in that situation and hammered a shot towards goal. Saprissa's goalie made one of his fine saves and pushed the ball over for another corner. Saprissa did pose a few threats, and even looked as though they could possibly get in behind RSL using diagonal balls. Ironically enough, their infamous plastic pitch ruined a couple of these attacks as the ball skipped too far for an attack. 2nd Half
As should have been expected, Saprissa came flying out of the gate in the second half. A sublime touch and shot from distance found them up 1-0 early on with all the momentum back on their side. It was looking as though this game could really get ugly if RSL couldn't find a way to stop their attack. Que Jason Kreis with a fantastic sub. One of my few complaints about Kreis is that his subbing rotation seems to be fixed before a match and, even then, doesn't make too much sense. In this game, though, his first sub was spot on. Andy is a tremendous midfielder, but it was obvious we weren't going to have possession unless we got down and dirty on the defensive side of the ball. that just simply isn't Williams' cup of tea . Kreis thus put Ned Grabavoy into the match and things instantly began to calm down for RSL. Slowly, the game started to level out and even started to favor RSL a bit. As I discussed prior to the first match, RSL had an obvious size factor on Saprissa and thus should be able to expose them on set pieces. It was all too fitting, then, that RSL leveled on a corner. Javi whipped in a fantastic ball that Borchers found with his head. Some scrabbling defense by Saprissa blocked the initial header. The ball fell, though, to the feet of Jamison Olave who proved that he doesn't only have the ability to score with his head. A lethal half volley nearly took the head off of the Saprissa keeper and not only leveled the match, but sunk the hearts of many of the fans and players. Now Saprissa had to score 3 more times to be victorious. There was no possibility of overtime anymore, either. This game would be decided within regular time. Saprissa then got desperate and made very offensive subs. The game started to favor them a bit, again, as RSL was okay with a lower defensive line than they were playing prior. As the game wore into the 80th+ minute, the feeling of ecstasy slowly started to seem into many RSL fans, including myself. Though, at the same time, the horrific memories of the meltdown in Mexico City were flashing by, as well. RSL needed to close this game out. It wasn't over til Count Dracula (the strange ref) called the game. Saprissa then got a penalty off of a pretty legitimate call. Grabavoy got baited in to a fantastic spin move by a Saprissa player and the ref instantly pointed to the spot. The pk taker slotted in away calmly, but it was obvious they were feeling the desperation. The push continued into stoppage time for Saprissa with shots coming in from any and every angle. however, in the end, the away goal by Olave proved far too much for them to conquer. RSL lost 2-1, but the bench reaction would have made you thought they won 5-0. Pure ecstasy both in Costa Rica and back home for those wearing RSL claret and cobalt.Player Ratings for RSL: Nick Rimando: B+ - His size was a bit exposed in the first goal, but Nicky was solid all night. Can't blame him on the pk. He guessed right, it was just very well placed. Nicky was huge in this series. Chris Wingert: B+ - Wingert, as expected, had many attacks go down his wing. He played very well and composed. Outside of a few lapses which weren't too major, he was incredible on the night. Nat Borchers: A- - As is usually the case, Nat was solid in back. His work rate was second to none and his positional awareness was perfect.
Robbie Russell: B-
- Russell had a decent night with a few good offensive crosses. He made, though, a couple mistakes that would have costs us against a team like Cruz Azul. Not a horrible night, but nothing superb like the rest of his defenders. Kyle Beckerman: B+ - I was tempted to give Kyle an A or possibly even MOTM award, but late on he made some incredibly stupid decisions that could have burned us. I know that the Kyle we saw for a few minutes in the second half is not the KB of norm, so no reason to worry.Andy Williams: B+
- Andy showed just how amazing he can be on turf for parts of the first half. He also showed, though, that his defensive prowess just isn't a strong spot. This isn't anything surprising, just how things are with Bomma. Still a legend, still a great match Will Johnson: B+ - Little Willy was his usual energizer bunny self in this game. Tons of work rate from the kid. I like his style and tenacity. It makes our midfield diamond complete. Good game from Will.Ned Grabavoy: B
- Ned got baited pretty bad on the penalty. Luckily, it was so late it didn't burn us. His defense, outside that tackle, was very good though. Ned, the best role player we have. Javier Morales: A- - I wanted to give Javi the MOTM award for this one as he was just amazing last night. Whatever the reason is, Javi gets up for games against Central American teams. His skills are amazing and his vision is pure. Great player, future legend, pure class.Alvaro Saborio: B-
- Its rather funny that Sabo was arguably our worst player on the night when all the talk was about how we would rely on him. This is not to say Sabo had a horrible night, he did his work. It just wasn't what I've come to expect out of Sabo necessarily. High expectations, I suppose, but he has proven them time and time again. Fabian Espindola: A- - I think Espy might have read that mlssoccer.com article about him this past week and took it personally. Instead of being a hot head, he was composed and ferocious. He continued to be the bulldog we all love (and hate, at times). However, he seemed to keep it in tune. I love this player and know he has the ability to be really something special this season. Well done Fabi.Arturo Alvarez: B
- Arty (a nickname I hate, btw) was a pretty good sub for Espy. He gave us relief on the counter and was good at picking out team-mates most of the time. He will have a huge opportunity this coming weekend, I believe, to make a mark against New England. Man of the Match: Jamison Olave (A)
Wanker of the Match: Armando Alonso 
I was curious as to who would become the "dirty player" for Saprissa with the suspension of Douglas Sequirra. Then I saw Armando Alonso, and his very strange hair, and had my answer. The outside back for Saprissa was quite a hack on the night, making some truly horrible tackles on Sabo and, especially on Espy. His tackle to earn a yellow on Espy was textbook dirty and easily, had the game been tighter or the ref been more strict, could have been red. I think I may have also been influenced by whatever the hell that hair style is that Armando has. I have never seen bangs with the pulled back cornrow... nor should I ever again.
Overall, it was a pretty decent night in San Jose, Costa Rica. RSL may have lost but they got the job done. Kreis, understandably, wasn't overly pleased with the result. This is fantastic to hear. Other coaches, I know, would be basking in the glory of being the first team in the CCL Final. Kreis, he is pissed his team lost the game. I love it. RSL will face the winner of the Cruz Azul v Monterrey series which concludes tonight in Mexico City (Azul's home town). Though Azul is down 2-1 right now after the first leg, I think they are the favorites to win. That away goal, as we saw in this very game, is incredibly valuable. I think they prevail 3-1. I hope, though this may sound awful, the game gets a bit dirty. The more suspensions for that first leg in Mexico, the better for RSL.
Tickets go on sale today for the second leg at the RioT. The match is Wednesday, April 27th and is sure to sell out. Lets make sure the RioT is full of RSL supporters and not "travelling" Azul or Monterrey fans. If you are a season ticket holder, your seats are reserved and I'm sure they will cut a deal with you to buy more. If you aren't, get a hold of a season ticket holder asap. This match is going to be epic.
Cheers,
15 to 32
FORZA REAL
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