Big Opponent, Big Game

RSL plays it's only home game of the entire month of August tomorrow evening against possibly the biggest club in MLS. The New York Red Bulls, with Theirry Henry and Rafa Marquez, will come to the RioT for a match that is very significant to both clubs.The two clubs come into this game going, it seems, in opposite directions. It's no secret that RSL is struggling right now. Two losses in a row have made the team look a bit vulnerable and, to be perfectly honest, look like they are about to go into a slump. New York, on the other hand, had struggled in MLS play before heading to London to play in the Emirates Cup. They won the tournament in rather impressive fashion, it must be said. They beat a very talented PSG side and then drew with Arsenal. (Side note, poor Arsenal can't even win their own made up silverware... Spurs fans eat your heart out). Thus, this game is, in my opinion, one that could tip the scales for either side. If RSL wins they could very easily restore some confidence before heading on the 3 game road trip ahead. If New York wins they could easily find themselves playing at the level everyone expects and take the East back under control. A loss for RSL could easily spell disaster. A loss for New York wouldn't be as bad for their club, but it would take a good chunk out of the impressive showing they just had in London.

With this being the 3rd game in 8 days for RSL, finding the right players will be key. This means Kreis has to be honest with the players about their recent play and their energy. The XI I would pick based upon the last two games and who we have to worry about on NY is as follows:

GK: Nick Rimando
- Nicky gave up a rather weak goal against KC. Lets hope he makes up for it in this one. I've noticed it over the years with Rimando, if he has a bad game, you can count on him working his tail off to make up for it in the next one.

LB: Chris Wingert
- Wingert looked really bad against KC, but there aren't any suitable replacements. One option would be to drop Wingert and play Beltran and Russell at outside back. I wouldn't mind this, I just prefer Wingert to start. One bad game doesn't change that the guy is typically solid.

CB: Nat Borchers
- Stone wall Nat has to be solid in the back. Consistency

CB: Chris Schuler
- I'm hesitant to give Schuler the start as he has not been overly impressive in the last two games. Kreis was open about the idea of McKenzie sliding back and replacing him. Don't be surprised if this happens.

RB: Tony Beltran
- We have to have Tony's pace out there to win this game. While Russell's crossing abilities are fantastic, his defending isn't.

LM: Will Johnson
- Will is a very interesting player for this one. I doubt he will admit it, but he has looked a bit mentally fatigued lately. Maybe he needs to take a seat, maybe not. I don't know. I'd prefer him to start, honestly.

CDM: Kyle Beckerman
- After receiving the news that he'll get to play against Mexico next week and be part of Klinnsman's first camp, hopefully KB shows some improved confidence and play. He hasn't been overly stellar lately.

RM: Luis Gil
- With Alvarez at this position on Wednesday we killed the little width we ever tried to create. Luis came on and instantly improved things. I think the kid is more than deserving of a start right now. Probably won't happen, but I can dream.

CAM: Andy Williams
- Andy's best role is as a sub. However, situations have changed this year and I think he is the best option to break down the NY defense. Possession will be key in this game and Collen Warner has not done well lately to keep it.

FW: Fabian Espindola
- Espy has to show up, but at the same time be willing to let others make things happen.

FW: Alvaro Saborio
- He didn't see the ball nearly enough against KC on Wednesday. When we get him the ball around the 18, good things tend to happen. While he is a good forward to cross the ball to in the air, that can't be (as it was in the KC game) the only way we get him the ball.

Key Player for RSL: Fabian EspindolaEspy has looked really frustrated in the last two matches. It is apparent to me that he is trying to do too much and is lacking confidence in some of his teammates (Collen Warner in particular). Espy has to realize that with him dropping so far back at times, it completely kills our attack. If he is getting the ball in the middle, that typically means only Sabo is ahead of him as a target. Espy has to allow the midfielders behind him to get the ball in those positions. Similarly, those players have to be willing to exert the same amount of energy Espy has. The one thing Espy seems to always bring to a match is energy. It would be good if the players around him did so as well.

Key Player for New York: Thierry Henry
New York has talent across the board yet they heavily rely on one player for their attack. Henry is a legend of the game, to say he isn't would just be a disgrace. RSL is going to have their hands full marking him, even if he is up there in age. Henry, Lindpere, and Marquez are the spine of this team. If we can shut down Henry and Lindpere we should be able to win. Let either of them go at us too much, though, and it could get ugly really fast.

Prediction: RSL 1 - New York 1
- Goals from Henry and Saborio

- It only seems fitting that I bill this as a huge match for either team if they win and it'll end in a draw. New York has made an art out of drawing MLS matches (like Chicago) and knows how to disrupt our play. The one HUGE benefit for RSL is that Dane Richards is suspended for this match. If he was out there, RSL would be in some big trouble.

I'd love to be wrong and see RSL get a win in this gigantic match. With their current form, though, I have strong doubts that will be the case.

FORZA REAL

Cheers,

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