Defining Moments

RSL hosts Sporting Kansas City this weekend in what looks to be a very important game for both teams. RSL is sitting in 4th place out West (and overall) with 45 points. The three teams above them all played in CCL action earlier this week so their legs might be a bit heavy. Thus, this could be a grand opportunity for RSL to jump in the standings while still keeping those 2 games in hand. In fact, if everything went RSL's way this weekend, they would be in second place by Sunday morning.

On the other side of things, Sporting KC is sitting at 40 points and second in the East. With a win and a Columbus draw or loss, they would take the #1 spot in their conference. From starting the season on the road 10 straight games, to having a ridiculous amount of home games, Sporting has made a resurgence to the top of the league standings. They still sit 7th place overall, but things can change very quickly for a hot team; they would know.

Not only is this game massive for this weekend, but both teams are about to go into a series of games that will define their season. RSL plays, including this game, 6 games in the next 20 days. KC, on the other hand, will play (including this game) 4 games in the next 15 days. We are to the point of the season where you either step up to the challenge and prove your worth, or shy away and show you actually buckle under pressure.

3 Keys to the Match for RSL

1. Build on the RioT's energy

With the band OneRepublic playing a post game concert, ticket sells are through the roof. Considering this game is on the same day as the Holy War, I'd thought we would be lucky to get 10K out. According to the ticket office (I was down there Thursday afternoon) we will have over 19K and likely a sellout. This is important for a couple reasons, most notably is that Sporting hasn't played a road game since mid-July. They are used to having a good crowd on their side. At the RioT, it'll be the opposite. RSL has to use this to their advantage.

2. High Pressure, High Energy, High Work-rate

 One of the reasons this team was successful up at Century Link Field last Saturday was just this. They kept the energy, work-rate, and pressure high for most if not all of the game. Doing this at home should not only be easier, but it should be more rewarding. Again, since KC hasn't been on the road for such a long stretch, they aren't likely to be very acclimated to the altitude change. By the 75 minute, if RSL can keep the energy high, they should be rewarded by a drop in play from the visitors. To get there, though, they'll have to earn it.

3. Wing-play Defense and Long Throw-ins.

One of the most common themes to defeating or taking points off of RSL is using the wings. Sporting KC is a team that, from what I've seen, likes to get the ball wide and then bring it back in. With RSL not able to field either of Beltran or Wingert, Robbie Russell's wing will be the main target and the opposite side (likely filled by Schuler) will be a target as well. Similarly, Sporting has the ability to deliver throw-ins anywhere near the 18 into the danger area. They treat there throw-ins like a corner kick, essentially. RSL will have to be on their toes to not get burned in these two areas.

Starting XI for RSL:
GK: Rimando
RB: Schuler
CB: Olave
CB: Borchers
LB: Russell
RM: Johnson
CDM: Beckerman
LM: Williams
CAM: Gil
FW: Espindola
FW: Saborio

Key Player for RSL: Robbie Russell

If Sporting KC has done any homework on this team, they'll know that Russell has been the weak spot in the usually strong RSL defense. Teams have been exploiting his aging legs and poor positioning all year long, I don't expect it to change this game. Olave, Borchers, and Schuler will all be there to back him up, but if Russell can't get it done SKC has enough talent on the field to burn us regardless. Robbie needs to have a great game for RSL to get a win I think.

Prediction: RSL 2 - Sporting 1
- Goals from Espy and Olave
This is going to be a tight game that is likely a bit chippy. Both times this season when this team has met there have been ejections. Both times they featured Roger Espinoza. I guarantee early on in this match we see Espinoza suffer a hard tackle from an RSL player. From there, things are sure to be heated. Hopefully the ref will be on top of things or it could get out of hand. Regardless, though, I think RSL will prevail. Sporting is a good team, but not having played on the road in such a long time will test them, especially at the RioT.

FORZA REAL

Cheers,

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