Real Salt Lake vs. Chicago Fire
July 18, 2008 by f4denz.
Battle of top defenses
The best defensive unit in MLS this year has been the Chicago Fire, who have given up just 14 goals all season. RSL is coming in tied for the second best defense in MLS having allowed just 19 goals this season, but RSL’s recent form has been very impressive giving up just 3 goals in their last 8 MLS matches. So while Chicago has had a better season, their recent form has been less than stellar giving up 11 goals in their last 8 MLS matches. They have posted a 2-4-2 record in recent weeks, while RSL is 4-1-3 during the same stretch.
Fire struggle against the West
I don’t imagine the prospect of facing a red hot RSL is a enjoyable thought in the mind of the Fire players, many will remember opening day when they got outplayed by RSL, and only a great goal in the 90th minute by Blanco saved their bacon from a loss. Since then faced 3 teams from the West at Toyota Park, and their record is just 1-1-1, but when their overall record against the West is just 2-3-2. With John Thorrington (4 goals, 1 assist) and Gonzalo Segares (1 goal, 1 assist), both out on suspensions, and injuries to Herron, Carr, and Robinson will hurt both their offense and defense of the Fire. How the impending suspension of Blanco for his tirade after the Fire vs. DC United US Open cup match hasn’t taken effect yet is anyone’s guess, but with that looming over his head will he be at 100%? Will the Fire who have struggled at home 3-3-1 be able to build on their recent win over TFC last weekend, it will be hard considering the guy who scored the game winner Thorrington will be in regular clothes, as they face a very mad RSL squad.
Playing Mad
I really hope that RSL is playing mad, they should be. Not a single RSL player made the main roster of the 2008 All Star match of 18 players, only one player made the larger 32 (called for by the CBA between the league and the players) man roster, and while Kyle Beckerman is deserving of that credit how so many others have been overlooked is nothing short of criminal. Now add in that the US Olympic team chose to add Brad Guzan to be the number one keeper over Chris Seitz, despite Chris being the keeper whose play got the US into the games in the first place. Guzan who is now a part of the Aston Villa roster may not be released by his new club to play, but what an insult thinking that Guzan who left Chivas with a 1.33 GAA is a critical part to the success of the US effort. Robbie Findley another player who was a vital part of the team that got the US into the games was named to the alternate roster, but picking a old 36 yr. old Brian McBride (who retired from international team play over a year ago) is a great PR move, if it is the right move remains to be seen.
Also add in the lack of respect first place RSL is getting many still have them low in the MLS power rankings, but a road win against the Fire would have to silence the critics, right? Well if shutting down the Crew offense (that put 3 up against KC last night) won’t get anyone to respect RSL, what will? As I mentioned above the RSL defense is now among the best in MLS and their recent form is by far the most solid in the league, can any other team say they have only given up 3 goals in their last eight league matches? Nope not a single team can, had we been able to get Olave up to form quicker RSL would probably have had a couple more wins, but the long road trip that is has them playing 8 of their last 12 MLS matches on the road will be a harsh test.
Getting into first place for the first time in league history still is taking a back seat to Real landing the 2009 MLS All Star match at their new stadium, is it enough to fire up the team into getting their second road win? I hope so, and am willing to pick RSL to win 2-1 on a late goal from Kenny Deuchar.
GAME GUIDE
(not sure how Rolfe will cover to positions but hey who knows)
OFF MY SOAPBOX