After having their reserves get the living crap beat out of them, especially in the first half, RSL returns home to play against the Chicago Fire this Wednesday. This match, in my opinion, is being overlooked by many. A lot of focus is being put on the LA game this weekend, Javi's return, playoff positioning, etc. rather than pure focus on this single match. Chicago has been playing some very good soccer lately, in fact in their last 5 league games they are 4-1. The lone loss in that group came against San Jose, at San Jose. They haven't been beating top teams, but they have been winning nonetheless. Confidence and momentum are huge, especially in a league like MLS where parity is abundant. This midweek game is, in my opinion, one of the most important games left on the schedule for RSL.
The most simple reasoning for the importance of this game is Concacaf Champions League. RSL needs to finish in the top 3 spots (overall and in the West, likely) to set themselves up for the best chance to get into the 2012-2013 CCL. As I stated in my last post, RSL would benefit from finishing high because both LA and Seattle will likely already have CCL tickets and thus any additional tickets they punch (going to the MLS Cup) would slide down to RSL because of their standings.
This match is also important because it is the last game in hand for RSL. After Wednesday, no longer will RSL be able to state that they are back in the standings because they haven't played the same amount of games as Seattle or LA. A win would put us level on points with Seattle, but I believe they have the tiebreaker. Thus, it is obvious why this match is so important.
3 Keys to the Match for RSL:
1. Contain Pappa and Grazzini
- If you have watched the Fire play at all this season then you will know their attack runs through the middle of the pitch, particularly through Marco Pappa and Sebastian Grazzini. Pappa, in particular, has shown his skill time and time again. Beckerman will likely have the responsibility of defending him, a task that will be incredibly difficult. Grazzini is also a player of great skill. A lot of his good showings are due in part to the attention Pappa draws, but also because of his passing vision. The guy can play a lethal through ball if given the space. Its the players that run onto those through balls that are equally dangerous...
2. Respect the Speed of Oduro and Nyarko
- Dominic Oduro and Patrick Nyarko are what make Pappa and Grazzini's passes so dangerous. Both players have speed that has burned pretty much every team in the league some time or another in recent years. Not only are they fast, though, but both have great finishing touches - especially Oduro this season. In order to not get burned, the RSL defense will have to be ready for the speed and be setup in a fashion to not get burned. Olave, in particular, will likely play the role of covering. He can't get caught out of position or Chicago will make us pay.
3. Speed of Play - Possession
- To counter a team with good speed, RSL has to value possession and move off the ball well. This falls on the midfield, and largely to the two central players: Beckerman and Gil. These two have to move well off the ball to both keep it and to keep Chicago off balance. The more Chicago has to chase RSL to get the ball back, the less they'll be able to punish us with their speed. KB has to have another great night in the middle - nothing new.
My Starting XI for RSL:
GK: Rimando
LB: Wingert
CB: Borchers
CB: Olave
RB: Russell
LM: Johnson
CDM: Beckerman
RM: Williams
CAM: Gil
FW: Espindola
FW: Saborio
Key Player for RSL: Jamison Olave
- Defensively Olave will have to be the beast we know he can be. His closing speed will be the deciding factor in many leg races between himself and Oduro. What Olave must also bring is his size on set pieces. Chicago isn't a huge team defensively and thus Olave might be able to burn them on good set piece services. The Verb will need to be in action Wednesday for an RSL win.
Prediction: RSL 2 - Chicago 0
- Goals from Sabo and Olave
- Javi makes an appearance for the last 8 minutes
This game is going to be tight, even tighter than the 2-0 margin I'm predicting would suggest probably. Chicago is playing for their playoff lives. They have to get at least a point out of this one, in my opinion, to have a shot at one of those last wild card spots. They'll put it all out there. RSL has to be ready for it or they'll get burned.
FORZA REAL
Cheers,
15 to 32
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