Unlike the game against Columbus, RSL didn't stumble out of the gates on this one. They opened up the game rather well and were playing level with KC. It all fell apart, though, around the 30th minute. The heat and humidity was wearing down on the RSL players, sure, but that is a pretty weak excuse when you consider that KC was having to deal with it as well. RSL simply lost focus for about 10 minutes and once again paid the price.The first goal was a comedy of errors. Arturo Alvarez recieved the ball just outside the RSL 18. He then played a (shocking) left footed pass when he probably should have used his right. The ball lacked pace and direction and was easily picked off by KC. Roger Espinoza then went at both Collen Warner and Tony Beltran. With two guys defending a single player, RSL should have been able to stop him. Instead they committed a cardinal sin of double teaming and allowed Espinoza to slide in-between them. Espinoza then found himself inside the RSL 18, on his left foot, but lacking a truly killer angle. Borchers did well to cut off the far post, but applied zero pressure to Espinoza. He was thus allowed to set himself up rather well and rip one on frame. For whatever reason, Rimando decided to not fully cover hid near post. Borchers had done well to cut off the back post, which meant all Rimando had to do was cover part of the middle and near post. He covered the middle, but allowed far too much space between himself and the near post. Result: first goal for KC.
From there it only got worse. Sporting, to their credit, recognized that RSL was losing confidence and energy. They pushed further and further down the field, especially on the flanks. It's no secret that this is where RSL is weakest. A deep throw in was earned by KC and they setup for a long throw. Again, a defense comedy of errors occurred. This time it involved Schuler and Wingert. Schuler originally had picked up Kei Kamara for the long throw. The big man was one of the only near post targets for KC so it was obvious he was going to likely be receiving the ball. Right before the throw was delivered, though, Wingert and Schuler did a switch. Or rather, they looked to switch. What happened was Schuler let Kamara go, Wingert didn't pick him up, and Schuler then had to chase back into the scene. Kamara was allowed a rather open header right on goal from the six. Rimando did tremendous to make the first save. I want to be more harsh on him for pushing it back to the middle, but not many keepers would have ever gotten a finger to it. Instead, the blame for the rebound goes to Tony Beltran and Nat Borchers. Both let Teal Bundbury slide between them and be able to smack a full force half volley at Nick. The ball once again ricocheted off Nick and into the net.
That was the first half. The second was slightly better. RSL looked to attack early and was willing to put more pressure on KC. A deserved red card (and hopefully multiple game suspension) was given to Espinoza for a disgusting tackle on Beckerman from behind. This gave RSL a man advantage for 30 minutes. Sadly, nothing came of it. We created a couple chances that looked promising, but nothing ever was truly dangerous. We, once again, became desperate and turned into a crossing team. We simply aren't built in a fashion to play this way. Without Javi, though, we lack the ability to probe teams from the middle. Thus, our only attack came when the outside backs pushed up and the ball was whipped in via a cross. It never worked.
In the end, the better team on the night got the full points. RSL looked lethargic and dispirited until down 2 goals. Even then, they never showed any signs of true attacking life. For two straight games now, RSL has been shut out while losing focus for roughly 10-15 minutes and giving up 2 goals. That's a sign of a weak team. Giving up multiple goals in short time frames is something this team simply can't do. Similarly, this team has to stop going down early in matches. Playing catchup is not our strong suit.
Man of the Match: Kei Kamara
Kamara, like Robbie Rogers for Columbus, gave RSL fits all night down the wing. His speed and size were simply too much for the RSL defense. He was unlucky to not get a goal and should be credited with an assist. Good match from the big man, even if he irritates me with his style of play.Wanker of the Match: Roger Espinoza
While many RSL players (heck, all) are deserving of this award, Espinoza made sure to remind everyone how big of a dick he is. His tackle on Beckerman was just as bad as the one that broke Javier Morale's ankle earlier this season. Hopefully the disciplinary committee takes a look at this tackle and gives it the suspension it deserves. If you remember, Espinoza is the same player who caused the preseason game between these two sides to end early because of a rumored similar tackle on Morales. The guy is a hack. No doubt he is talented, but truly he is a hack.Reason to Worry
RSL has simply not looked its dominate self much recently. While injuries, heat, schedule congestion, etc have all been thrown around as excuses, the fact still remains. RSL is losing its swagger and might be finding itself in a very badly timed slump. With 14 games renaming this season, RSL has to go on the road 9 more times. In fact, this coming Saturday's game against New York is the only home fixture for RSL in the entire month of August. It's no secret that RSL still struggles on the road. It may not be as bad as it once was, but things are not looking promising.
I think it's safe to say that unless RSL suddenly finds some incredible road form, they are out of the Supporters Shield race. With LA and Dallas doing well to gain points this season, they are simply too far out of reach. Sure, we have games in hand, but we are to the point that we have to win all of those games in hand to even be level with them on points. Something that simply isn't going to happen. The new objective of this team should be to get into the playoffs and find their form again by October. I think the first is a very reasonable task. It won't be easy, by any means, but its doable. The second, however, is the true test. The one remaining piece of silverware this club could achieve, I think, is the MLS Cup. The MLS Cup is not about being the best team over the entire course of the season. No, that's reserved for the Supporters Shield. The MLS Cup is designed to reward the best in form team come seasons end. Thus, it is any one's game so long as they get themselves a ticket to the show.
It's time for RSL to tone down the talk of being a league big dog or a power house. It's time for RSL to focus not so much on gaining points in games (which is still important) but to find a way to get back into form. This could mean a whole host of things, but I think it's safe to say a bit (or a lot) of change is necessary. The way to beat us is full public knowledge. Many teams are very capable of doing so and have shown it over the course of this season. Kreis, it's time to mix things up again.
FORZA REAL
Cheers,
15 to 32
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