Real Salt Lake vs. New York Match Day

October 9, 2008 by f4denz.

Rio Tinto grand opening

So not only is this one of the biggest matches of the year for Real Salt Lake’s playoff hopes, not only will RSL be seeking revenge for a recent loss at New York, that saw some very questionable calls made that lead to both Red Bull goals as RSL lost 2-1.

But this is the opening event at the brand new 110 million dollar Rio Tinto Stadium, a nationally televised match on ESPN2, a sellout, have fireworks, a flyover, and who knows what other types of celebrations. It is the first step in a vision of owner Dave Checketts to provide Salt Lake with a world class team playing in a world class facility and so far everyone who has seen it have left impressed.

The Match

So beyond all the stadium hype and fanfare, is a match that simply could be the make or break for both RSL and NY. According to sportsclubstats.com this match could provide either side with a huge playoff swing and impact a number of other clubs as well:

So a win by either side will provide them a 25-25% improvement on their playoff chances, while the losing side will be on the outside looking in at the top teams.

New York has been ice cold since that 2-1 victory over RSL, and dropped all 3 matches since then. Losing to Columbus, Colorado, and TFC, scoring 6 goals in those three matches, while giving up 11, the Red Bulls have not really looked like much of a playoff team. RSL in their last 3 matches have picked up 4 points with a win over San Jose and a disappoint draw against New England on the road after a heartbreaking home loss to Chivas, RSL has scored 5 goals in those last 3 matches and given up the same number of goals.

New York will be missing a couple key players, as Dane Richards, Jorge Rojas, and Gabriel Cichero will all be missing due to international duty, injuries could keep Carlos Mendes out as well. For RSL, there are no players missing for international duty, but injuries continue to plague the team. Dema Kovalenko is listed as doubtful, but did practice this week, Fabian Espindola and Nathan Sturgis are both listed as questionable, and Tony Beltran is listed as probable. Also missing for RSL will be Andy Williams, who is serving a red card suspension.

The real challenge for RSL will be simple, stop Juan Pablo Angel, which RSL did a decent job of for most of there recent meeting. It was only when JPA pulled down Jamison Olave that he could get around him and got a real quality chance on goal. I don’t imagine that Olave will have forgotten that play, and is unlike to allow it to be repeated. RSL outshot NY 19-15 last time around, RSL was lead by Yura with 10 shots, while Dane Richards had 5 for New York, RSL also had the lead in shots on goal 9-7 with half of Yura’s shots being on frame.

Yura has always had better luck scoring on grass than turf, so I expect a big night from Yura as he continues to solidify his place in the starting 11 for RSL, the official game guide shows a couple changes to the RSL starting 11, as Clint Mathis moves back to the midfield and Robbie Findley joins Yura up front. Another change is Robbie Russell is back on the bench after filling in at various positions in the last couple matches, I expect he will see action at sometime during the match.

I think RSL will come out red hot as the emotion and excitement of the new stadium, the packed stands, and the cheering fans all give them a huge boost. Look for an early goal by RSL and in the end a final score of 2-1 as RSL starts a new streak of unbeaten matches at their new home.

Another post coming

I am hoping that I will be able to post some pictures of the stadium and crowd just prior to the match, so if you can’t make it out to Rio Tinto, check back around 7ish for an update.

OFF MY SOAPBOX

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