6 Point Swing

RSL travels to Seattle this weekend in what I am calling their biggest road test of the MLS season. Amidst all the waves of emotions, bad calls, dives, etc. from this season so far, RSL finds themselves in a spot to make a statement and put themselves back in the discussion of best team in the league. By all accounts, Seattle is the best team in MLS right now. Sure, LA is above them in the standings, but current form goes to the Sounders in a landslide. Thus, if RSL can find a way to even get a draw out of this one, it would be quite the accomplishment. A win? Well they would surely be turning some heads.

Not only is this game a great opportunity to put RSL back in the Supporters Shield discussion, but its also a revenge match. While Monterrey snapped the all time undefeated streak at the RioT, the Sounders were the ones who broke the unbeaten MLS streak. That rainy game back in May still stings to think about, and those 3 points we gave to the Sounders look really really important right now. A revenge game is in store for Real, lets hope they can execute.

To win at Seattle will take, in my opinion, one of the greatest games this squad has played. On turf, in the middle of the day, against a very good team is a really tall order. One that, when looking at our history, looks rather impossible to complete. This team, however, has been trending in the right direction and is on the edge, or so it feels, of really getting that RSL swagger back. To do so, and to get a win or even a draw, here is what RSL needs to do:

1. Contain Fernandez and Rosales
 - These two are what makes Seattle so scary. Both are tremendous midfielders that like to get wide and then cut in to make things happen. The way to beat RSL has always been to expose our lack of width; exactly what these two specialize in. The responsibilities on the defensive side of things for RSL will fall to the outside backs. Tony Beltran will likely get put on Fernandez given Russell's injury, leaving new man Blake Wagner to deal with Rosales. Wagner will instantly get to show if he is worthy of his spot on the team (assuming Russell is in fact not capable of starting)

2. Find Sabo, then Espy, and support
 - Looking at the Seattle defense I see a lot of decent defenders, but nothing overly amazing. I think Espy and Sabo will be able to get in behind them and cause chaos: the Espy specialty. To do this, though, Saborio will have to play some damn good target forward. Against the US, he did just exactly this - especially in the second half. Just getting the ball to Sabo then Espy won't get it done, though. The support has to be there from the midfield. This means players like Johnson, Alvarez, and especially Gil have to push forward on that initial ball to Saborio. If we can get numbers in the box, we've shown we can find goals.

3. Set Pieces
- As I have said in numerous other posts, tight games are typically won on set pieces. RSL has been shaky at defending these lately, but rather good at finishing them. If the first issue is addressed, and the second trend continued, RSL could find themselves in some good territory this game. Seattle has multiple players that can hit a good dead ball on goal or whip in a good cross, thus limiting these chances will be vital. Similarly, creating as many set piece opportunities (especially corners with both Borchers and Olave back) will be key.

The Starting XI I hope to see for RSL:
GK: Rimando
LB: Wagner
CB: Olave
CB: Borchers
RB: Beltran
LM: Johnson
CDM: Beckerman
RM: Alvarez
CAM: Gil
FW: Espindola
FW: Saborio

Key Player for RSL: Tony Beltran

Stopping the wing play was the first key to the match, this will fall on the outside backs. Beltran will have  his hands full with either the talented Uruguayan (Fernandez) or the new, really talented Argentine (Rosales). Not only will he need to play a damn good match, but his offensive production will be key. The more he and Wagner can get up the wings and into the attack, the better we will be.

Prediction: RSL 1 - Seattle 2
 - Goal for RSL from Espindola
I want to believe RSL is currently in good enough form to beat or get a draw out of this one. Sadly, I just don't see it. Seattle is simply on fire. What I hope to see, though, is continued execution on the defensive end and Espy and Sabo looking dangerous together again. I really hope I'm wrong on the prediction...

FORZA REAL

Cheers,

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