This game will truly be a test of the strength of this RSL team, in so many ways. Playing in a very intimidating stadium is something new for this group as a whole. individuals on the team have played in this kind of environment, sure, but never as a collective RSL unit. It will be a test, to say the least, of the mental strength of this squad. What will follow is my predicted starting 11 for RSL. Following that will be keys to the match, for both teams. Finished with key players to watch and my prediction on the game itself. I'll also throw in my prediction for the Cruz Azul v Monterrey match so that my championship series will be setup.
Starting XI for RSL Given that this will be a true test of the grit of this team, I doubt Kreis makes any serious changes to the starting lineup. In fact, I would be (hope) he goes with the usual guys so that they have that built in chemistry. Thus, this is who I bet we will see walk onto the carpet tomorrow night at 8pm:
GK: Nick Rimando
- Nick has to be big for us. He will be called on numerous times, I would assume, to make some saves. He has to be the super Nicky we all love.
LB: Chris Wingert
- Chris is the staple at outside back for this squad. He has to be a leader out there and be ready for multiple attacks right at his as Saprissa loves to use the wings.
CB: Nat Borchers
- Nat is the leader of this stellar defense. If he plays well, the rest of the guys typically do as well. Nat will be tested with the speed of these players, he has to stayed composed positionally.
CB: Jamison Olave
- Olave is the beat, the verb, the destroyer. He might have to calm it down on the last part of that, though, as I'm sure Saprissa will look to get RSL into card trouble early. Jamison has to be smart in this match. No stupid, reckless tackles.
RB: Tony Beltran
- The youngster is about to play in the biggest match of his career. Tony has proven to be a tremendous defender, and that's why I bet he gets the start over Russell. We aren't so much in need of an attack as a solid defense.
LM: Will Johnson
- Johnson's work rate will really be pushed to its limit in this one. Saprissa is going to come out flying and Will has to be smart about his runs. The guy is going to be defending a lot, especially early on, so his tackles have to be smart and well timed.
CDM: Kyle Beckerman
- Kyle is going to be called on numerous times in this match to make some big tackles. Though he is sitting on a yellow card, I truly hope he doesn't hold back too much in his physical play. I'd rather have him suspended for the first leg of the championship series than us not be in the championship series.
CAM: Javier Morales
- Javi is the engine of this squad. If he steps his game up, and I'm sure he will, we should be just fine. He will be our outlet to build an attack as Saprissa will push hard early. If he can find those spaces and exploit them like he has so far this year, we can get that valuable away goal.
RM: Andy Williams
- I was tempted to put Grabavoy in the starting lineup just because we will likely be defending early and often. With the match on turf, though, its hard to find a reason not to start Andy. The guy is pure class with the ball at his feet in general, on turf he seems to be even more amazing. Having both he and Javi on the pitch is incredible for our attack, as well.
FW: Fabian Espindola
- Though this likely counter-attack heavy game looks like a prime situation for Paulo Junior, there is no way Kreis can justify benching Fabian for this one. Espy has been on a rather quiet tear this year, truly playing some great soccer. He will need to be in top form to punish the pressing Saprissa defenders.
FW: Alvaro Saborio
- Returning to his former team and pitch has to be something special and weird for Sabo. He seemed to take the match at the RioT rather personal, I can only imagine how it will feel in front of friends and family in Costa Rica. Sabo has been the man for us in CCL, this has to continue.
3 Keys to the match for Saprissa
If Saprissa wants to mount a comeback and find a way back to the championship game, these are the three areas they have to succeed in tomorrow. 1: The first and last 10 minutes of each half.
- RSL has started out strong in the last couple of matches. Saprissa cant afford to let RSL get in early. If Saprissa wants to get this thing level quick, there is no better time than the first 10 minutes of the match. Those minutes, I believe, will be very telling of how this match goes.
2: Exploit the width of RSL
- Or should I say, exploit the lack of width of RSL. Though the diamond midfield is great at possessing the ball and moving as a unit, its not the best approach defensively. If Saprissa can get out wide it will cause RSL to get much more separated than they like to be. Early switching balls and speed are the key to beating the RSL midfield and defense.
3: Shut down the midfield - especially Javi
- The teams that tend to have success against RSL always clog up the middle of the pitch and get RSL out of its possession oriented rhythm. This will force Saprissa to really have a high defensive line. A risky venture, but if it works it'll pay off greatly.
3 Keys to the match for RSL:
If RSL wants to be the first MLS team to go to the championship series in this tournament setup, then these are the areas they must execute on very well. 1: The first and last 10 minutes of each half:
- It is vital that RSL not give up its 2 goal lead early. A counter goal would be gigantic in this match, especially early. I hope Kreis has these guys set on defending as a unit and exploding into an attack early on. It could really devastate Saprissa if they were suddenly down 3-0 and, thus, needed 4 goals to advance.
2: Find Sabo
- I'm sure Saprissa will have him marked very tightly, but if RSL can get the ball up to Sabo and he can hold it up for them, they will have success. Sabo is a special player and this is his match to put a mark on.
3: Don't be afraid
- Playing in such an extreme environment can be a nerve shaking experience for a team. These guys have to show their maturity and composure by not letting the crazy fans get to them. If RSL goes down a goal, its not the end of the world. The stadium, I'm sure, will feel as though its about to burst. RSL has to just focus and take the game one pass at a time. Focus and determination will win this series for RSL.
Player to watch for Saprissa: Jairo. Arrieta
- Arrieta is tied for leading goal scorer (3) for Saprissa in this tournament with Armando. Alonso. Saprissa has to get goals in this game to survive. Arrieta, I'm sure, will be key in the attack. Player to watch for RSL: Nat Borchers
- Lets be honest, RSL is going to defend for a large portion of this match. Thus, it is imperative that the defensive leader have a great night. Nat is, as I stated before, the leader of this impressive defense. If they have a good night, it will be because Nat was a tremendous leader. Game Prediction: Saprissa 2 - RSL 1
- Yes, I'm predicting the first loss of the 2011 season for RSL. I have faith in the boys, don't get me wrong, I just think this is a gigantic test for them and Saprissa. That score line, as you will note, would have RSL advance to the championship series. On aggregate, RSL would be up 3-2 and have an all too valuable away goal.
Scoring summary:
- Saprissa: 18', 75'
- RSL: 63' (Saborio)
As for the Cruz Azul v Monterrey series, I see that one going in favor of Cruz Azul. Though they are down 2-1, they are coming home to their intimidating stadium. I wouldn't be surprised to see them put on a show and win by a couple goals. I doubt it will happen, but they have the talent to pull it off. I bet they win 3-1 and, thus, advance on a 4-3 aggregate. That would setup an incredible Group A rematch for the championship. If you thought the 4-5 thriller in Mexico City or the 3-1 shocker in Salt Lake were impressive, I'd wager the final will be even better.
Cheers,
15 to 32
FORZA REAL
Great overview. Thanks for the time and effort!!
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