Game in Hand

A common theme when discussing league standings this year are the words "game(s) in hand". Tomorrow, RSL will be making doing just that - making up one of their games in hand. While LA, Seattle, Dallas, and the cRapids all have CCL group play today or tomorrow, RSL will play a huge league match against New York at Red Bull Arena. Not only does this game have huge implications on the table because of it being one of those games in hand, but also because both teams are looking to vastly improve their playoff positions. New York, who is lucky to be in the crap conference they are, still has a shot at securing a top 3 spot out East. RSL, on the other hand, could vault themselves back into the Supporters Shield discussion with full points. Huge match.

Just a little over 6 weeks ago RSL hosted New York in a match that was all RSL. From the opening whistle to the closing minutes, RSL looked on a different level than the Red Bulls. Since then, RSL hit a bit of a bad streak but has recently regained momentum. New York, on the other hand, continued to struggle all the way until last week in Dallas. With their backs up against the wall, the Red Bulls found a way to get a win in Dallas - something RSL has never done. Thus, the two teams come into this game with their respective hopes on the upswing. RSL has won 4 straight and is starting to get into the discussion of a possible team to  push LA. New York, meanwhile, could find themselves not only back in the top 3, but contending for the top of the East with a good run given the way the rest of the East plays. I don't think it can be overstated, this game has huge implications not only for RSL and New York, but for the league as a whole.

3 Keys to the Match for RSL:

1. Utilize the speed of Espy and size of Sabo

 - When I look at the defenders for New York I can't help but laugh. Tim Ream is an incredibly over hyped defender that crumbles under pressure. Rafa Marquez, despite his resume, is a gigantic mistake waiting to happen. Lastly, Roy Miller is a player that Sabo not only knows very well, but has shown he can easily get the better of. Against these defenders, the combo of Sabo and Espy could really do some damage. Espindola's pace, even though it isn't tremendous, will cause havoc all game. Similarly, the size of Sabo and his abilities in the air will torment their back line. If we can utilize these tools effectively, it could get ugly for the home team.

2. Keep Richards and Lindpere in check

 - New York's team is built with a lot of great firepower. When I look at their roster, the offense truly does scare me (not the defense, though). Richards in particular is the kind of player that will give RSL lots of issues. Given the injury of Beltran and Wingert, Schuler is going to have to step it up on Richards as I doubt (hope not at least) Russell will be placed on him. The kid has shown he can keep up with players like Rosales and Kamara, Richards will be a big new test. I think Schuler is capable of doing it, but he'll surely need support.

3. Win the middle third

  - Vital to the success of both these teams is possession. To have possession, you have to win the middle third. This would typically be in RSL's favor largely, but with the suspension of Beckerman it becomes a gigantic question mark. Who Kreis has fill in at holding mid will decide how this game turns out. I hope he takes an aggressive approach to things and fields a midfield full of energy. With the right pieces, even excluding KB, RSL should be able to gain control of the middle and thus the game.

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

Key Player for RSL: Will Johnson

Johnson's energy and tenacity will be a huge factor for this match. Will can be one of the best players on the pitch one second and then one of the worst the next. He'll have to be great for RSL to win as I think he is the right replacement for Beckerman in the holding mid spot.

Prediction: RSL 2 - NYRB 1
 - Espy with a brace
I think this game has the potential to be one of the most entertaining matches of the year. Just days after a  match that was incredibly brutal to watch (and play, according to KB) I think the beautiful side of the game will be showcased in this match up.

FORZA REAL

Cheers,

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