But that's for another blog that I don't write nor intend to. This July 4th RSL plays hosts to the New England Revolution. Quite ironic on many levels. Real, as we all know, is Spanish for Royalty or Monarchy. This team from Boston we are welcoming to our fortress is named after the American Revolution. I guess the language barrier might be a bit difficult... or maybe it's more of a modern twist to the story. With the increased amounts of immigrants from nations to the south, the revolution is being revolted against. This is getting way too political...
Point is, the game is ironic. And it's aired on national television. If the last two years have told us anything, its that RSL will make New England look like a kid's team. In 2009 the final score was 6-0. All six came in the second half. In 2010 it was 5-0. Again, a complete destruction of a pretty bad team. RSL isn't on the same high they were the past two years, though, as they welcome the Boston team in to town. In fact, RSL is in a very strange situation that is hard to define. They have started to slowly get results again, but it has lacked that dominating fashion we've seen in years past. The Toronto game aside, RSL simply hasn't had a game where they dominate the other team. Not even against the lower division Hammerheads did RSL exploit its obvious superior talent. It's because of this that the game against New England is a mystery.
By all means, RSL should - and hopefully will - win this game. They are a much better team, playing at home, superior talent even with the injuries, etc. The addition of national television should make RSL want it that much more. The last time they were playing on national television was a 0-0 draw against Houston (fox soccer). The time before that the horrific ankle breaking match against Chivas that ended in a 1-0 win that felt more like a loss than ever (telefutura). And the time before that, the 1-0 loss in the champions league final against Monterrey (fox soccer). This game is an opportunity to reverse that trend of bad games and make a statement. It's time to announce to the league: We are back.
Having nearly a full week's rest since their last game (Open Cup) I expect Kreis to play his best XI. They have a game the following Saturday against Dallas in which I expect Kreis to rotate and rest starters. The open cup game the following Tuesday (July 12) seems to be the focus. Thus, this is who I'd expect to see on the pitch opening whistle:GK: Rimando
- Hopefully he won't be called on too much in this game.
LB: Wingert
- If his hammy is still not good enough, Beltran will slide to this spot
CB: Olave
- NE plays a 4-5-1, Olave will kill the single man up top
CB: Borchers
- Anchor and torture.
RB: Beltran
- If Wingert can't go then Russell will take this spot as Tony slides over
LM: Johnson
- The little engine just keeps going
CDM: Beckerman
- Will have his hands full with the NE duo in the middle
CAM: Warner
- Probably his last chance to stake the claim as starter
RM: Grabavoy
- Work rate will be key. The 5 NE midfielders will test our midfield
FW: Saborio
- This could be a huge game for him.
FW: Espindola
- If he can't go, Gil should get the start.
The key to this match, and every other RSL match, is dominance in the midfield. New England has a decent duo in Joseph and Feilhaber. If we can shut down their presence, it should be smooth sailing. Saborio could really destroy their weak backline if given the right service.
With the night also featuring a post-game presentation to Kreis for his work with the club, I'd expect the players to come out of the gate flying. A convincing win would be a great present to Kreis on his night at the RioT.
Prediction:
- RSL 3 - New England 0
Sabo with 2 and Johnson finally puts on in the net.
FORZA REAL
Cheers,
15 to 32
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