Big Opponent, Big Game

RSL plays it's only home game of the entire month of August tomorrow evening against possibly the biggest club in MLS. The New York Red Bulls, with Theirry Henry and Rafa Marquez, will come to the RioT for a match that is very significant to both clubs.The two clubs come into this game going, it seems, in opposite directions. It's no secret that RSL is struggling right now. Two losses in a row have made the team look a bit vulnerable and, to be perfectly honest, look like they are about to go into a slump. New York, on the other hand, had struggled in MLS play before heading to London to play in the Emirates Cup. They won the tournament in rather impressive fashion, it must be said. They beat a very talented PSG side and then drew with Arsenal. (Side note, poor Arsenal can't even win their own made up silverware... Spurs fans eat your heart out). Thus, this game is, in my opinion, one that could tip the scales for either side. If RSL wins they could very easily restore some confidence before heading on the 3 game road trip ahead. If New York wins they could easily find themselves playing at the level everyone expects and take the East back under control. A loss for RSL could easily spell disaster. A loss for New York wouldn't be as bad for their club, but it would take a good chunk out of the impressive showing they just had in London.

With this being the 3rd game in 8 days for RSL, finding the right players will be key. This means Kreis has to be honest with the players about their recent play and their energy. The XI I would pick based upon the last two games and who we have to worry about on NY is as follows:

GK: Nick Rimando
- Nicky gave up a rather weak goal against KC. Lets hope he makes up for it in this one. I've noticed it over the years with Rimando, if he has a bad game, you can count on him working his tail off to make up for it in the next one.

LB: Chris Wingert
- Wingert looked really bad against KC, but there aren't any suitable replacements. One option would be to drop Wingert and play Beltran and Russell at outside back. I wouldn't mind this, I just prefer Wingert to start. One bad game doesn't change that the guy is typically solid.

CB: Nat Borchers
- Stone wall Nat has to be solid in the back. Consistency

CB: Chris Schuler
- I'm hesitant to give Schuler the start as he has not been overly impressive in the last two games. Kreis was open about the idea of McKenzie sliding back and replacing him. Don't be surprised if this happens.

RB: Tony Beltran
- We have to have Tony's pace out there to win this game. While Russell's crossing abilities are fantastic, his defending isn't.

LM: Will Johnson
- Will is a very interesting player for this one. I doubt he will admit it, but he has looked a bit mentally fatigued lately. Maybe he needs to take a seat, maybe not. I don't know. I'd prefer him to start, honestly.

CDM: Kyle Beckerman
- After receiving the news that he'll get to play against Mexico next week and be part of Klinnsman's first camp, hopefully KB shows some improved confidence and play. He hasn't been overly stellar lately.

RM: Luis Gil
- With Alvarez at this position on Wednesday we killed the little width we ever tried to create. Luis came on and instantly improved things. I think the kid is more than deserving of a start right now. Probably won't happen, but I can dream.

CAM: Andy Williams
- Andy's best role is as a sub. However, situations have changed this year and I think he is the best option to break down the NY defense. Possession will be key in this game and Collen Warner has not done well lately to keep it.

FW: Fabian Espindola
- Espy has to show up, but at the same time be willing to let others make things happen.

FW: Alvaro Saborio
- He didn't see the ball nearly enough against KC on Wednesday. When we get him the ball around the 18, good things tend to happen. While he is a good forward to cross the ball to in the air, that can't be (as it was in the KC game) the only way we get him the ball.

Key Player for RSL: Fabian EspindolaEspy has looked really frustrated in the last two matches. It is apparent to me that he is trying to do too much and is lacking confidence in some of his teammates (Collen Warner in particular). Espy has to realize that with him dropping so far back at times, it completely kills our attack. If he is getting the ball in the middle, that typically means only Sabo is ahead of him as a target. Espy has to allow the midfielders behind him to get the ball in those positions. Similarly, those players have to be willing to exert the same amount of energy Espy has. The one thing Espy seems to always bring to a match is energy. It would be good if the players around him did so as well.

Key Player for New York: Thierry Henry
New York has talent across the board yet they heavily rely on one player for their attack. Henry is a legend of the game, to say he isn't would just be a disgrace. RSL is going to have their hands full marking him, even if he is up there in age. Henry, Lindpere, and Marquez are the spine of this team. If we can shut down Henry and Lindpere we should be able to win. Let either of them go at us too much, though, and it could get ugly really fast.

Prediction: RSL 1 - New York 1
- Goals from Henry and Saborio

- It only seems fitting that I bill this as a huge match for either team if they win and it'll end in a draw. New York has made an art out of drawing MLS matches (like Chicago) and knows how to disrupt our play. The one HUGE benefit for RSL is that Dane Richards is suspended for this match. If he was out there, RSL would be in some big trouble.

I'd love to be wrong and see RSL get a win in this gigantic match. With their current form, though, I have strong doubts that will be the case.

FORZA REAL

Cheers,

15 to 32

U-G-L-Y

In not so shocking news, RSL went on the road in a humid and hot place and lost. What was sad, though, was the way it happened. This very easily could have been the worst performance from RSL this entire season.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 KamaraKamara, 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 EspinozaWhile 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

Three in One

Because of the amount of travel I have done in the past week and a half, I haven't been able to update the blog. So, in this single post I'll play catchup. Three posts jammed into one.

To start off, lets go all the way back to the RSL v San Jose match on July 23rd.You stay classy, Busch.

In a match that was, if nothing else, full of entertainment RSL destroyed a 10 man San Jose Earthquakes 4-0. Until the 60th minute, though, it looked as though a draw was on the horizon. San Jose has historically played rather well at the RioT and they looked to be continuing the trend that night through some disruptive midfield play and strong defending. All came crashing down, though, in the 60th minute when Saborio went down in the box for RSL. In live action, I thought it was a foul. My seats are very similar to the angle the ref had, so it's obvious to me how he was deceived. Video replay shows, though, that Sabo went down without any contact. This resulted in a penalty, a sending off, and the games first goal.

From there, San Jose lost their cool. Busch showed his grand sportsmanship (both during and after the game) and RSL tapped in 3 more to finish off a very lopsided night 4-0. Had I been on the other side for this game, I would feel a bit robbed. However, giving up 3 goals in 30 minutes, even if you are a man down, is simply inexcusable. While the decisive moment may have lead to a bit of frustration and lack of concentration, it seemed inevitable that RSL would score and open the game up. It wasn't an unfair result by the scoreline, per say, but rather in the means it was achieved.

Man of the Match: Alvaro SaborioScoring 2 goals and having a pretty damn good night gave the Tico the honors. Sadly...

Wanker of the Match: Alvaro SaborioHis antics to get the penalty were poor. This may be the one and only time someone gets both man of the match and wanker of the match for the same game. Impressive? Probably not.


RSL v ColumbusComing into this match RSL was in a bit of a weird place. They had just won 4-0, sure, but at the same time they lost Jamison Olave to a knee injury at the All-Star Game (of all places) and were informed that Alvaro Saborio would not be able to play because the league was suspending him for his dive against San Jose. Thus, RSL came into this match a bit confused; it was apparent. In the first 10 minutes, Columbus exposed this confusion to the fullest. From the opening whistle, it was obvious which team was more focused on the task at hand. By the 5th minute, Columbus had exposed our lack of wing play/defending and Robbie Russell's poor positioning to find the net. Just 5 minutes later, they pretty much did the same thing again.

From the 15th minute on, RSL was the better of the two sides. However, they never looked overly dangerous. Jean Alexandre had a couple chances to find the net (some of them sitters) yet it just didn't seem to be RSL's day. Columbus came in to the RioT, had a wonderful game plan, and executed it to near perfection. Maybe it was a bit of justice for the previous weeks debacle, but it still sucked. RSL looked to have lost all the momentum they were starting to build up in a matter of minutes.

Man of the Match: Tommy HeinemannThe goofy looking striker gave the RSL defense fits all night and earned the second goal for the Crew. Almost every attack the Crew built went through Tommy. He probably has one of the ugliest mugs I've ever seen, but the guy sure could play up top against us.

Wanker of the Match: Jean Alexandre
There were, sadly, quite a few RSL players in contention for this award. Jean missed two sitters and probably should have found his way onto one or two others and thus takes the ship. However, Robbie Russell, Ned Grabavoy, and Will Johnson were right on his heels for wanker of the match. It was a really ugly night for RSL with quite a few guys having possibly their worst nights in an RSL uniform.

Is there reason to be concerned after this match? Probably. I think we are still perfectly fine in terms of making the playoffs and having a decent team. However, I can't help but feel this might have been a key moment/game in us not being in the Supporters Shield chase come seasons end. While we still have quite a few games in hand, they don't mean much if we can't get points out of them. Especially at the RioT. There are 15 remaining games for the 2011 season, tons of points still available. The problem, though, is that 10 of those 15 are on the road. And its not like we are travelling to bottom feeders the entire time. We have road trips to NY, LA, Seattle, and Colorado in there. If we are going to win the SS, we are sure going to earn it here at the end of the season.


RSL @ Sporting Kansas City: PreviewRSL travels to brand new Livestrong Sporting Park in Kansas City tomorrow for a match against the re-branded Wizards. KC started the season pretty slow, no thanks to 10 road games right away, but have since found their form; especially in their new stadium. In fact, they have yet to lose in the new place.

Given the small amount of rest, Olave not even traveling, the potential of Espindola being suspended, and the current form of RSL, and most importantly this game being on the road... I'm not to optimistic about this one. I think RSL is very capable of beating this team. You look at it, on paper, and its in RSL's favor. However, we haven't played anywhere near as well as we should be, according to paper, in quite some time.

This is the XI I hope to see for RSL:
GK: Nick Rimando
- Has to be big between the pipes. To get points here, he'll likely have to pull out a few incredible saves.

RB: Tony Beltran
- Russell had a horrible night against Columbus. Time for Tony to be put back in the starting lineup. This time permanently

CB: Nat Borchers
- He was one of a very few players to not have a bad night against the Crew. Nat is probably our most consistent player, so this shouldn't be much of a surprise

CB: Chris Schuler
- Had a pretty bad night, especially in the first 10 minutes, against Columbus but he is our best option. Hopefully that game was just a fluke, not a new norm.

LB: Chris Wingert
- He took responsibility for the goals, but I'm no so sure they were as much his fault as he made it out to be. Still, its nice to see a guy take the accountability.

CDM: Kyle Beckerman
- He has to step up his game. Plain and simple.

LM: Will Johnson
- Same as Beckerman. He tried to do too much against Columbus. Hopefully he can just relax this game and not force himself into the game as much.

RM: Ned Grabavoy
- He also had quite a howler against Columbus. Hopefully consistent Ned will be back for this one.

CAM: Andy Williams
- I wouldn't be surprised to see Collen Warner or Luis Gil slide in for Andy, but I think he is the best option to start.

FW: Fabian Espindola
- If he does receive a suspension (which is probably deserved) then Alvarez takes his spot. For RSL's sake, I hope Fabi is not suspended.

FW: Alvaro Saborio
- Suspension and dive are in the past. Time for the Tico to play some good footy again.

Key Player to Watch for RSL: Kyle BeckermanWith the struggles current and ahead for RSL, its key that the captain stand up and take charge. One of my biggest criticism's of Beckerman is that he does not do this. If we are going to make it through this stretch with a good record, it'll be because KB picked up his game and thus those around him as well. If he plays badly, this could be one ugly month for RSL.

Prediction: RSL 1 - KC 2
- I think it's going to be a tight game that gets rather physical. I think they find the net late to get a win while we try to pack it in for a draw. Fortune Favors the Bold, lets hope Kreis sticks to that motto for this one.

For those of you that forgot or didn't hear, these two sides met in preseason play and had, to put it nicely, a bit of a physical match. Many players from RSL were quoted as saying they were circling the first time we played KC (which this game is) as a bit of a revenge match. Don't be surprised if the RSL players come out angry and playing a bit chippy. Given that history and how things are going lately, this one is a sitting time bomb.

Here is a link to the story from the preseason game: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/blogsrsl/51391872-49/rsl-game-sporting-team.html.csp

It's sure to be an interesting night. I hope I'm wrong with my prediction and RSL uses this game to vent some frustration (both current and past) for the win.

FORZA REAL

Cheers,

15 to 32