RSL opened the 2011 season with a very rainy trip to San Jose in which they drew but were maybe a bit unlucky to not win. This time around, they are looking to get the full three points. After nearly 2 weeks of rest, RSL should be hungry to go out there in front of a decent sized crowd and win in a convincing manner. Not only will the altitude play a factor, but the comparative rest for each team should play in as well. San Jose played host to Vancouver last night in a match they tied 2-2. It seems everything is in favor of RSL getting a win; which scares me.San Jose is comprised of some very interesting players that could be a great challenge to RSL if they are on. Starting from the back they have Jon Busch in goal. This guy always seems to have a career night against RSL. The midget, much like Rimando, gets to shots you wouldn't think possible when looking at his size.
In front of Busch is a decent defense with player such as veteran Chris Leitch, big man Bobby Burling, and Jason Hernandez. Those three alone present our forwards with a great test of getting in behind. Burling, in particular, will likely be marked up against Sabo because of his size.
In the middle RSL caught a huge break with midfielder Simon Dawkins - a former Hotspurs player - picking up a hamstring strain against Vancouver. He had to be subbed off and thus is very unlikely to play in this match. This does not mean, however, that Vancouver lost all of their midfield presence. Khari Stephenson, in particular, will most definitely give the RSL diamond midfield a test. The guy is a very talented player with the ability to shoot from range.
Up top is where San Jose has the potential to be the most dangerous, though. Between former Crew man Steven Lenhart (the MLS Napoleon Dynamite) and last years Golden Boot winner Chris Wondolowski, the RSL defense will have to be on top form. Wondo, in particular, is the player to watch out for. He scored both of the goals for San Jose in their match against Vancouver and will hope to carry his form into the RioT.Given the amount of rest and time until the next RSL match, Kreis should not hold back anyone in this game. The best XI guys should be put out there to get the win. The starting XI I would hope/like to see is as follows:
GK: Nick Rimando
- Nicky will likely be called on a couple times in this match. Wondolowski and Lenhart have the ability to create chances out of nothing. Hopefully he takes the slap of not being selected to the all-star game as a challenge and goes out ready to prove he is one of the best keepers... definitely better than Tally Hall
LB: Chris Wingert
- It's time for Chris to become a staple in the starting lineup again. When on, he can be one of the best left backs in the league.
CB: Jamison Olave
- After receiving the news that he was selected to be in the all-star game next week, hopefully Olave will go out there ready to prove that he is deserving.
CB: Nat Borchers
- Like Nicky, hopefully Borchers takes the slap of not being selected to the all-star squad as a challenge. We need our anchor to be solid. No 3rd minute red cards, Nat.
RB: Tony Beltran
- With how Tony has been playing lately, you can't kick him off the starting lineup. Sorry Russell, Tony is just better right now.
LM: Will Johnson
- The little energizer bunny should be fully charged and ready to run a tired San Jose side into the ground.
CDM: Kyle Beckerman
- Kyle will have to play a huge match in the middle to keep RSL in this one. With his selection to the all-star game (probably undeserved) hopefully he steps up and shows it was in fact deserved.
RM: Ned Grabavoy
- Grabs just has to do what he always does, be that role player who plays incredibly well but gets little acknowledgement or respect.
CAM: Andy Williams
- Bomma's legs should be fully rested after a pretty tough stretch. Andy can be magical when on, lets hope he is on Saturday.
FW: Alvaro Saborio
- After serving his "suspension", Sabo should be ready to come out to prove to the fans, media, and most importantly coaching staff and fellow players that he is focused. We need out big man up top to have a good game.
FW: Fabian Espindola
- Fabi has been, in my opinion, the best RSL player this season. Him not getting selected to the all-star game is just ridiculous. I hope this disrespect fuels Espy that much more to prove his worth. A focused yet fighting Espy is simply unstoppable.
Player to watch for RSL: Alvaro Saborio
There are going to be a lot of eyes looking at what Sabo does this game. After his last match at the RioT, it's likely deserved. He stormed off in frustration with being subbed. It has since been dealt with by the team and all confidence seems to be behind him. When Sabo is the team player we all know he can be, he is what makes our offense work - especially without Javi -. It's time for a big night from the big man.Prediction: RSL 3 - San Jose 0
Goals from Sabo, Espy, and Olave
- We should be able to wear this team out with our passing, altitude, and much longer rest. If we get them chasing early, it'll all be roses at the end.
FORZA REAL
Cheers,
15 to 32
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