Davies Back at the RioT

RSL hosts Charlie Davies and DC United this weekend in another MLS regular season matchup. I'm just a little (sarcasm) excited to see the kid that could have possibly been, and still might be, the next big thing for US soccer at the RioT. I'll never forget watching him and Jozy against El Salvador doing the stanky leg after Jozy got the second, and game winning US a goal. It was a game that I was incredibly proud to attend and will never forget.

Welcome back to the RioT, Charlie.

As for the RSL game this weekend, it's sure to be interesting. RSL looked really bad for most of their last two games on the road. At Columbus they played the first 10 minutes solid, but nothing after. In Philly they played horribly the first half, but came out in the second half to get a somewhat undeserved draw.

DC, on the other hand, has been Jekyll and Hyde this season. They were the first team to win in Portland (something anyone should be proud of), nearly beat LA (should have beat) in LA. However, at the same time, they just got destroyed on their home pitch against San Jose 4-2. Really, this is a match-up of two teams that are rather lost in terms of form.

With the game being at the RioT, and DC struggling in their most recent fixture, RSL has to be the favorites. Anything less than 3 points is a disappointment. Getting those three points is not going to be easy by any standards, but they are attainable.

Keys to the match for RSL:
- 1) Early attacks.
It is no secret that at the RioT, with a lead, RSL is one scary team. When the opponent has to come out of its shell -- which every team that come here seems to do -- RSL's passing style works best. To get DC out of their inevitable shell, a first half goal (and hopefully within the first 20-30 minutes) is the key. This means starting like we did at Columbus, not Philly.

- 2) Keep track of Najar.
DC is full of a lot of potential weapons. The one that scares me the most is Andy Najar. The kid can be really hot and cold, but I'd rather not play it by chance that he will have an off night. He is a skilled player with a bit of pace and great feet. I'd imagine/hope Tony Beltran gets the assignment on him. Tony did well against Shea in Dallas, this will be a similar responsibility.

- 3) Get the defense back in tune.
The last couple of games have seen RSL surrender quite a few goals. Our defense has to be in top form if we are to get three points out of this one as Najar, Pontius, Wolff, and Davies (off the bench) will be sure to test them. Working as a unit will be key. No stupid fouls.


My hopeful starting XI for RSL:

GK: Nick Rimando
LB: Chris Wingert
CB: Nat Borchers
CB: Jamison Olave
RB: Tony Beltran
LM: Nelson Gonzalez
CDM: Kyle Beckerman
RM: Will Johnson
CAM: Ned Grabavoy
FW: Jean Alexandre
FW: Fabian Espindola

Bench: Kyle Reynish, Robbie Russell, Chris Schuler, Luis Gil, Andy Williams, Collen Warner, Artur Aghasyan

Key Player for RSL: Will Johnson
With Canada eliminated on Tuesday, and Johnson not even going the full 90, I think he can get put back into the starting XI. He could and probably should be one of the subs (60/70 minutes) but our midfield is not the same without his work rate. He is the heart of this team, it seems, so having him back this early is a blessing.

I think it will be a decent game and hope that both teams show up and play their top soccer. If so, RSL should be able to get the win but it will be hard fought.

Predicition:
RSL 2 - DCU 0
- Espy and Grabs with the goals.


FORZA REAL

Cheers,

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