I first have to apologize for this post coming so late. This past week seemed to fly by and before I knew it, it was Saturday night. Thank goodness this was a Sunday game or I would have failed to meet my minimum in my second week of blogging... yikes. Apologies aside, lets take a look at the next test for RSL (NOT the lakers)
RSL, on paper, should have a big advantage this weekend in Boston. For starters, New England had to play all the way across the country in the "friendly" confines of Quest Field against the Seattle Sounders. New England, much to my surprise and many others as well, knocked off the home team in a pretty ugly (both game and officiating) match. This game came on the 20th, giving New England just 3 days to get home and prepare for RSL at home. To be honest, it was one of the best teams New England could have scheduled for that short of a break. RSL is nearly the worst road team in the league, they struggle to score, and are coming off a game where they couldn't seem to finish a happy meal. Add the suspensions of the rock Olave and the streaky (though bad as of late) Mathis, and that "advantage" RSL once had, is pretty much gone and the game is level. That, though, may be a good thing for RSL. Whenever they go on the road it seems to be a doubtful game to get any form of points. However, given the situation, they actually have a decent shot at achieving them. Here is what I think RSL will use as its starting XI:
Rimando
Wingert Russell Borchers Beltran
Johnson Javi Beckerman
REK Findley Espy
This lineup isnt too bad, however, there is one simple change that I personally think could swing this game back in the favor of RSL. Switch out Findley for Campos to start. This allows Espy and REK to serve in crosses to a bigger target. It also, and I think this is the better selling point, allows Findley to come on in the 60th minute (roughly) to run over a very tired D. The NE D will already be a bitter beat from the short schedule, if you give Findley another advantage like that... we could see some magic from him. I highly doubt this will happen though as, for some strange reason, Pablo hasn't gotten many minutes since joining the club.
At the first of the week, shortly after the disappointing loss...er tie with Houston at home, I thought this game had disaster written all over it. NE owes us a bit of revenge for the 6-0 thrashing we put on them earlier this season (by the way, where did that team go?) and we are on the road... not a good formula for RSL. BUT, I have had a change of heart as the week has worn on. New England's display against Seattle was anything put fantastic. They showed holes on their wings and their central mids started to die down towards the end of the second half. I still have my doubts that RSL is going to get the win, but there isn't much season left for their road game win that turns things around (like last year @ San Jose).
Prediction: RSL 2 New England 2
A draw that wont sink all playoff hopes, but it surely wont help them too much.
COME ON RSL!!! Prove my prediction wrong (in the right way this time please)
Cheers,
15 to 32
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