Pre RSL @ New England

After all the excitement that Tuesday brought, it's time to go back to league play...RSL travels to New England this Saturday to play the Revs. New England has started the year out pretty strong, given their previous two seasons especially, and are looking to continue their unbeaten streak to start the season. Of course, of the 4 games they have played in MLS regular season, though, they have only won 1 game. All of their games have been low scoring as they have only scored 5 times this season. They have 4 goals against them, which shouldn't come as a surprise knowing their record.

From the little I have seen of them, they are a talented team that plays a much more European style. They are physical and like to use speed. If RSL can get these guys chasing, then the game will favor them. However, if RSL gets sucked into a physical match then the game favors New England as we simply don't have size to compare. The match will be, as always with this team, won in the middle of the pitch. If we can possess the ball and move it around quickly, we should be able to find gaps in their backline and exploit them with the speed I assume will be up top.

Starting XI for RSL

- (given the short rest its very hard to know what Kreis will do for this one, especially with the cRapids match next Wednesday)

GK: Kyle Reynish

- I think Nicky needs a night off, especially with this one being on turf. Kyle is very capable and his big game last year was @ Seattle so the turf shouldn't be an issue.

LB: Chris Wingert

- Some veterans still need to be on the pitch in this one, that is just how it goes. Wingert is a staple of the back line. I think the guy will do just fine on short rest.

CB: Nat Borchers

- Same thing as Wingert. Nat will wear the armband in this one, I think.

CB: Chris Schuler

- Schuler had a big game @ Seattle last year, as well. So the turf won't be an issue. Olave won't be in the 18, I think/hope.

RB: Tony Beltran

- With Russell getting the start against Saprissa it only makes sense Tony starts here.

RM: Ned Grabavoy - Ned came on as a late sub in the Saprissa match so he should be fine to start. Johnson needs a little rest, I think, because of traveling with Canada. CDM: Jean Alexandre - The 'Jean Machine' will be out in full force, I think. Kyle could use a night off ahead of the cRapids match. CAM: Andy Williams - We need a true #10 on the pitch and I think Andy is just the guy. He is a joy to watch on turf and tends to really be special @ New England. I doubt he goes the full 90. He will be the first guy subbed off, I bet. LM: Collen Warner - Collen and Andy showed in the Cruz Azul match last year that they have some great chemistry. I think Kreis will tap into that and start Collen in the diamond. FW: Paulo Junior - Even though he stayed a day later in Costa Rica to renew his visa, I think Paulo makes the starting lineup. Espy and Sabo worked their tails off in that Saprissa match. Give them a night off, or at least not start them. FW: Arturo Alvarez - This one could very easily be off, but I think Kreis will use Alvarez in this match as a starter. He played pretty well as a sub in the last matches, so he should be set to get his first start in a RSL kit here at New England.

Key player to watch for New England: Sharlie Joseph I've never really bought into the idea that Joseph is the best holding mid in the league. He is talented, don't get me wrong, but I think Kyle has proven (especially in the past 2 years) that he is better. Joseph still will be the engine of this squad. If RSL is to win, it'll be because they took Joseph out of the game as much as possible. Key Player to watch for RSL: Paulo Junior

The crazy little Brazilian will give New England's defense nightmares. His quick feet is just what European style defenders hate. I think Paulo will have a great night in Boston (area).

Game Prediction: D - RSL 1 - New England 1

I think it will be a level match and that both goals will come in the second half. Both teams played during the week so the fatigue factor might set in. Kreis could really throw some firepower off the bench if he goes with the lineup I have listed above.

- New England goal 65'

- RSL goal (Paulo) 75'

Our first non-win of the season, but it would be pretty acceptable given the circumstances (short rest and turf, again). Here is hoping for better but expecting possibly less...

Cheers,

15 to 32

FORZA REAL