Mid-Season Report Card

Reason for Grade

To Improve

Team - C-

9-9-6
Home (7-1-4)
Road (2-8-2)

Just like at the midpoint of the season we simply have not lived up to expectations. Things like only getting a draw against San Jose at home, laying rotten eggs at New England and at Columbus after beating both so easily at home raises questions about what is the issue on the road.

With 6 to go the team will likely need 3 or 4 wins to ensure a playoff spot

Well it is simple make the post season, that was the expectation of fans at the start of the year and remains the goal. In MLS finding good form over the last months of the season is what it is all about and often leads to playoff success as RSL saw last year. This year we will need to improve on last years final 6 matches (2-1-3) if we want to control our own destiny

Player - Grade

M

G

A

Reason for Grade

To Improve

Andy Williams – B+

489

1

2

When Javier Morales went down with an injury most RSL fans thought the season was over but in recent weeks Andy has stepped in and like so many times in the past he has added an energy to the team that too often is missing. I can’t say it better than Bill Manning who after the Chivas match stated “Andy played like he was 25 again”

The stretch run is going to be hard and with so many things going on in Andy’s life off the pitch, I can’t expect anything more than what he has already given. He is simply the heart and soul of the organization.

Chris Wingert – B-

1892

0

3

I have never been a huge Wingert fan, but he is winning me over with simply solid play. Nothing flashy, and with Beltran getting more playing time it is less and less often that Chris gets forward in the attack, but lately when he does he has been more effective than in the past. He has simply done all the little things right over the last few months.

I would like to see Chris become a bit better at his passes and crosses. As we change up our attacking styles based on who is in the top 3, knowing we have wing players who can create chances will force teams to change how they play us. Chris can hold a huge key in the last few matches by providing better service, while maintaining his defensive awareness and aggressiveness.

Clint Mathis – C-

1742

2

7

Clint was my pick for team MVP for the first half of the season, but the 4-3-3 has not been kind to him and his play has suffered as the offense has looked to others to create. Some mental breakdowns have hurt his team and Clint knows better.

I am hoping the Clint of the first quarter of the season comes back for the final 6 matches, it was his precision passing and great vision that allowed him to create so many chances for others and help RSL control matches. It seems like he is trying to hard lately and that has left him on the outside looking in when it comes to the attack. He has started to be more aggressive on 50-50 balls in the midfield which is a good thing if he can win a majority of them.

David Horst - I

86

0

0

There have been a couple players that have gotten a lot more travel than most this year and with Horst making trips back and forth to Austin to get playing time with the Aztecs he has to be building up some nice frequent flyer miles. It will help he develop, as nothing is better than playing time.

He needs to continue to adjust the pro game both in Austin and in Salt Lake, a young guy with all the physical tools needs only to develop the knowledge and mental edge needed to get more minutes with the first team.

Fabi Espindola – B-

1050

2

2

OK, I have been a bit hard on Fabi since he rejoined RSL and while many expect him to light up the scoreboard that simply hasn’t happened. What has happened is that he has become one of the hardest working players on the team, and been a huge factor in getting the RSL offense going, his pressure up the sides has been great to watch and he crossing and passing has been getting better each week.

Just like Yura at the start of the season Fabi is sometimes trying too hard to get goals. He is putting himself in dangerous positions and if the touch isn’t there for him to score he has to use that position to create for others. He could be one of the real keys to the RSL success over the last couple weeks of the season. If he can figure out a way to convert with Pablo there may be no stopping RSL.

Jamison Olave – C+

1647

2

0

Jamison has finally gotten himself under control and the results are impressive as RSL has 4 clean sheets in their last 6 matches. When Olave plays in control and works with the other defenders the RSL back 4 are as good as any defense in the league

Continue to play within himself and in complete mental control at all times, he has to realize making a mistake may give up a goal but going a man down can cost us a match. If he can finish out the season without any more suspensions

Javier Morales - C

1680

1

4

Javi is still one of the most fouled players in all of MLS and with the move to the 4-3-3 he was beginning to find his form of last year and becoming a major part of the RSL offense a injury has keep him out of action for the last several matches.

He needs to get healthy as few pundits think RSL can make a real playoff run without him. He also has to learn to play with all his teammates and not just Fabi. He can be an incredible player but must improve the quality of set pieces and corners. He could be the difference over the last two months of the seaosn

Jean Alexandre-I

52

0

0

Jean is a player who has seen a lot of playing time in the USL this year and it has earned him playing time with the first team. He was a huge part of the second half against KC and showed he has the talent to challenge for more minutes with the first team.

It will be interesting to see Jean get minutes where he is allowed to play more offensively, he was asked to help defend a 1-0 road lead when the team was down to 10 men. With a full strength squad will we see Jean get some chances to put shots on goal from distance?

Kyle Beckerman - C-

1768

2

2

This year we never seem to know which Kyle will show up in matches, will he be the dynamic player that he was last year, the one who earned the captains armband? Or will he show up and have one of those matches where he simply fades into the background and you never notice him? I am hoping getting playing time in the Gold Cup and a World Cup Qualifying cap at home will boost his energy and effectiveness.

Kyle has to be focused and deliberate for RSL to be successful and while the new formation requires him to cover a lot more defensive support he has to be solid with his passing and not allow others to take advantage of him. We need the bulldog Kyle back over the last few matches.

Pablo Campos-B

219

2

1

Each year of the Kreis/Lagerwey reign has seen a player brought in for the final ½ of the season make an impact. So far this year it has been Pablo, who has given RSL a huge target player, who has been able to convert scoring opportunities into goals. Two game winners in his first two starts.

More of the same, I know he has struggled to get 90 minutes fit, at least Jason’s version of 90 minutes fit, but as he does he could become a force for RSL. With Yura leaving in the off season and injured for the last few matches it has given Pablo a shot and it looks like he is proving himself. If he can continue to score important goals in big matches he will quickly become a fan favorite.

Nat Borchers - B

2139

1

0

Nat is the rock for RSL, he has played more minutes than anyone else and has been simply solid in the back line. He has filled in as team captain on several occasions and done so well.

I am still waiting for Nat to get on the end of more set pieces and corners, with other big targets like Olave and Campos it could be Nat that gets open and if he can finish he could really make a huge impact over the rest of the season.

Ned Grabavoy - B

729

0

2

Ned has done what has been asked of him, be it coming in off the bench to give RSL more bite in the midfield or starting when others are injured or suspended. He has filled the role he has been asked to with a workmanlike attitude and been exactly what RSL needs off the bench a solid player.

With more playing time will come more expectations. Ned needs to provide a bit more offensive punch when he comes in. I like his passing and the energy he give when fighting for balls both defensively and offensively.

Raphael Cox - I

208

1

0

I keep waiting for Raphael to get more playing time. He hasn’t disappointed with the limited minutes he has gotten and I think he is close

With so many RSL midfielders getting national team call ups, Cox may prove to be a real x-factor for RSL. He has shown talent and grit when he gets playing time and as his minutes on the pitch increase, I have a feeling his confidence and output will as well.

Robbie Findley - B+

1428

10

2

Last year Robbie was on the edge of being a breakout player in MLS, this year he has made it, and it has earned him the attention of the USMNT who recently brought him into camp. Despite not seeing action in the last two qualifying matches getting and staying in camp is a good thing. Robbie has become very dangerous as he has figured out a way to work with others in the attack, great runs by him and Fabi have left defense struggling to catch up. Robbie has become the all time RSL scoring king and is only the second 10 goal scorer in RSL history.

Robbie has found his scoring touch but has to continue to work on finishing as Fabi become more a part of the attack, Robbie will find himself alone against defenders more as well and he will have to finish the medium and difficult chances more often. Teams will not always make scoring easy. Robbie also has to develop a knack for playing with Pablo who has brought a new weapon to the RSL offensive efforts.

Robbie Russell - C-

1372

0

2

RR was a solid player in the first half both off the bench and filling in the starting lineup. He was on the edge of displacing Wingert in the starting lineup but a few costly mistakes, a few out of position plays have left his teammates exposed and resulted in goals for opposing sides. I am not sure if Robbie is 100% fit at the moment and reoccurring injuries could be part of the issue

We have seen Robbie be a stud for RSL in a number of positions but the last couple months he has been a mediocre role player. Robbie has to find that edge again because it was there he played his best footy. Being able to move forward while not getting beat on defense is a key to Robbie getting more playing time.

Tony Beltran - B+

1424

0

0

If there has been a more improved player for RSL than Tony, let me know but from a draft pick last year to a defender who simply takes on and shuts down the best offensive players in the league Tony has become a fixture in the starting 11. Plus he is a mean, mean, dancing machine. Tony shows that while a draft pick may not become a vital part of a team right away that hard work pays off and he is now a vital part of the RSL defense and offensive efforts. His ability to get forward and provide balls to the attacking effort while still being able to get back and shut down counter attacks has been impressive.

I am waiting for Tony to get on the offensive stat sheet, it will likely come from a outside shot when others are covered in the final third of the pitch. Tony has to find his trigger and let some shots go, even if they are just on frame the chances for loose balls in the box could provide assists or even goals for Tony. RSL has struggled with quality crosses and shots from the outside for years and Tony could be a huge asset if he can fill those needs.

Will Johnson - B-

1794

1

2

I was left wondering for large stretches of matches where Will was, but in recent weeks he has done a better job of maintaining his new role of defensive and controlling force in the midfield with providing better balls to the attacking efforts. While we haven’t seen the scoring touch that Will brought last year, he has finally started to really stand out in the lineup.

He must continue to work on his new role and how to provide passes of a high quality and reduce the number of turnovers that are unforced. I also think Will is one of a few players on the RSL roster that has the ability to score from distance and we need to take those shots to keep defenses honest and to give our forwards more space to work in.

Yura Movsisyan - C-

1402

6

2

Wow, talk about a fall from glory, and I am not sure if Yura or his reputation can recover. I don’t blame him for most of this as a young guy he has to take some chances and getting to play for a team that is a feeder to bigger teams in Europe is a good thing for a young player. I do put a lot of blame on his agent, signing a contract midseason that doesn’t start until later is not a wise move, telling your player to play sick so the team will get rid of him before his contract is up is just stupid. Well the window is closed in Europe and Yura has a couple months left to play for RSL, he is back at practice and his shoulder is back to 100% will he be able to convince coaches and teammates that he is ready, willing and able to be a part of RSL’s playoff run like he was last year?

I like Yura, I have been a fan of his work ethic and desire to play the game since he joined the team. He is a hell of a nice guy but he has allowed himself to be played and now has a huge hole to get himself out of. Last year in the final 6 matches of the season, Yura provided 4 goals, including the late goal against Colorado that put RSL in the playoffs, and fans should remember that but will he show that kind of form and be able to fight his way back into the lineup? With Robbie and Fabi playing hard and Pablo looking to fill the void left by Yura’s injuries and issues, it could be tough for him to get minutes, this will be a tough decision for the staff.

Rachid El Khalifi - I

133

0

0

Rachid has shown minutes of potential in very limited play but not enough to crack the starting lineup or get more minutes. It often is very hard for players to understand the physical nature of MLS and too often they think stepping into a major role will be easy, well it isn’t as Rachid is finding out.

Get match fit, get used to your team and find your role. Expectations for Rachid are high from the staff and from the fans who have done their research on him, his ability to attack and create are known but how will those abilities fit RSL’s style of play and can he adjust to the MLS physical style of play will be keys to seeing if Rachid can become an impact player over the final few matches of 2009.

Minutes

GAA

SHO

Nick Rimando - B

1745

1.08

7

Nick continues to be a top 10 keeper in MLS and often the on field leader of the team. He has been left in awkward positions by his backline at times which has allowed other teams to score goals and kept him from putting up better numbers. Nick is rock solid and hopefully is over the injury that kept him out of action a couple weeks ago.

I believe that Nick should be the captain of the team, he is the vocal leader and one of the most steady forces on the pitch in all of MLS. His grade is down a bit as the result of some bad play of the backline in the New England and Columbus matches but with a solid final 6 Nick is on his way to being team MVP again.

Chris Seitz - C+

360

1.25

1

Well count me as one of the surprised RSL fans when Chris got a road start in a huge match against KC a couple weeks ago, his only action since the midseason break. Was I surprised he did as well as he did? Nope, Chris has all the skills and abilities to be a number one keeper for a number of teams and RSL keeping those teams away from Chris is proof that he could have a long future at RSL. He was solid and made some big saves and got his first MLS shutout on the road in a match that may be the key to the RSL season. Way to go Chris!!

He has to keep reminding himself that his time will come. I know he wants to play but he has to take comfort that the team played so well with him in goal in KC and even down a man he was able to keep the clean sheet. The team played with confidence with him in goal. He also got a chance last week to practice with the USMNT, and that has to help remind him that he has a bright future both for club and very possibly for country.

Kyle Reynish-I

55

1.64

Kyle has seen no action in recent months as expected for a third keeper, but he should take comfort that RSL is one of a handful of teams that keeps 3 keepers on their roster. It should show him that they value his talent and passion for the game.

I am always amazed how dedicated Kyle is to the game, with so limited of minutes over the last couple years many would have packed it in but Kyle shows up and works as hard as anyone in practices. You never know what will happen in MLS and Kyle could a keeper that other teams come looking for in the off season.

Jason Kreis - C+

It is funny how a couple wins can change peoples opinions. Just a month ago there were more than a few calling for Jason’s head. I have felt that if RSL didn’t make the playoffs this year that Jason might be let go but as I sit back and think about things, I put less and less blame on Jason. He runs a tight practice, he is a huge student of the game and the coaching craft and he knows the league as well as anyone. I do think he allows his personal feelings and emotions to impact his decision making too much but as a young coach he doesn’t have much more to go off of. Time will tell if Jason becomes a top coach in MLS, he is smart enough, he is driven enough, but will he have the time it takes to perfect the craft? The team is now sitting in the final playoff spot and could finish the year with 12 or more wins.

RSL is sitting on the edge of the playoffs and it will be a couple key matches that decide our fate for 2009. The team has scored more goals in 24 matches than any other RSL team, the team has allowed fewer goals than any other RSL team and we currently have more points after 24 matches than any other RSL team in history. Yet the expectations are higher and fans have grown accustomed to winning and Jason has to get the team to answer that call over the final weeks of the season. A strong finish will show that roster moves and player decisions have been done with thought and insight that fans often don’t understand.