Friday, August 17, 2012

Preview: RSL Looks To Bounce Back Against FC Dallas


So now we're getting to what might affectionately be called the "business end" of the MLS season.  It's safe to say the season has not quite gone as either the RSL players or fans predicted, but it certainly hasn't been a bad year by any stretch.  One thing is for sure though, the season will end up being defined by what happens in the next few weeks in both MLS and CONCACAF play.  It all starts tomorrow night against FC Dallas.

The Claret and Cobalt have traditionally had trouble with FC Dallas, but it's been a pretty good year, as they've taken results from both their meetings with the Hoops.  The first matchup, in Dallas, ended in a draw, and RSL took all three points from Dallas at the RioT in the last matchup on a late goal from Nat Borchers.  That's the good news for RSL fans.

Here's the bad news.  FC Dallas has been heating up as RSL have been struggling.  The Hoops have taken 7 of the last 9 possible points. In that stretch, they took a draw at Portland and beat Colorado at home.  Earlier this week, they beat the Whitecaps in Vancouver, something that RSL failed to do last weekend.   Things are set up for an entertaining match.

The injury list is significant for both sides.  For Dallas, Ugo Ihemelu, Alex Lee, Blas Perez, and Ricardo Villar are all listed as out.  Jackson, who has really given RSL fits in the past, is listed as doubtful with concussion symptoms.

For RSL, Chris Schuler is still out, however he did train with the team this week, which is definitely a plus.  Lalo Fernandez is also listed as out.  Jamison Olave is listed as doubtful, and Javier Morales is listed as questionable.  Given that RSL has a CCL match this week, it's doubtful we'd see Olave or Morales much anyway.  Also, captain Kyle Beckerman played 90 minutes for the National team in the midweek, so it's highly likely that we'll get another look at Yordany Alvarez, who has looked really good spelling Kyle earlier in the season.

Coach Kreis hinted this week that some other guys were going to get their chance in the coming matches.  We'll probably see Nat Borchers as he's suspended for the CONCACAF match anyway.  Rimando at the back is probably a given.  Will Watson-Siriboe play, or will Wingert fill in at CB again?  I'd expect to see Kenny Mansally at one of the FB spots, and it's tough to see Beltran playing tomorrow night ahead of the CONCACAF match.  In the midfield, Will Johnson and Kyle played for their national teams, and Morales has been hurting.  We'll almost certainly see Alvarez, and probably Jonny Steele.  I'd like to see Ned play as well, maybe a half.   I also wouldn't be surprised to Velasquez break back into the line up.  Heck, maybe we'll even see Enzo Martinez.

Up front I would bet on Justin Braun making an appearance at Rio Tinto in the starting lineup.  Alvaro Saborio played for Costa Rica this week, so I think Braun is a given.  It's his time to step up.  I would personally like to see him with Espindola tomorrow night, as this could almost be a must win league game, however, I wouldn't be surprised to see Paulo Jr start.

One thing is for sure.  It's time for the guys to put all the cards on the table.  The last time some of these guys started together was in the US Open Cup match, and we know how that went.  Earlier I posted an entry critical of RSL's depth at just this juncture in the season, and it's time for these guys to step up and take their place.  For guys like Paulo Jr. and Jonny Steele, if they really want to have an impactful future with the club, it's time to seize the chance.  I think they will.

For a great pre-match read on the lineup situation I recommend this great article at RSL Soccer Talk.

The big question for Dallas is how much will David Ferreira play?  The former MLS MVP played 90 minutes for Dallas midweek, and he's still fresh off the broken ankle.  I think we'll see him, but not for the whole match.  I do expect we'll see plenty of Brek Shea, who probably got some confidence back after setting up the match winner for the USA in Mexico.

Juan Guzman will be the center official tomorrow night.  In 17 matches his stats are: 26.2 fouls per match, 3.8 yellows per match, he's handed out 6 red cards and awarded 4 pks.  The fourth official will be Tyler Ploeger.

I do look for the guys to step up tomorrow night, but I don't think it's gonna be pretty.  It'll be a hard fought match, as Dallas is a tough nosed squad with everything to gain.  I think the defense will pull together for the clean sheet and the offense will get us the needed goal for the 1-0 win.  I hope I'm right, we need the 3 points.

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