Ah, a few short hours until we get a chance to set our record in Dallas straight, to notch a win against the former Hoops, the former Blaze, to move forward in the US Open Cup. We certainly have all the requisite ability, and as we saw on Saturday, we are more than capable of beating this club.
We’ve not traveled with Nick Rimando, who is nursing his ankle, handing a sure start to Kyle Reynish. He played the last US Open Cup match, which may have been a bit less glamorous, but he looked assured, and I expect he’ll do well. He has some very reassuring patience, and he hasn’t agitated for a move — which isn’t to say he’s content to simply sit on the bench, but you sense that he is willing to do what it takes to win a starting place. I expected Kyle to start tonight anyhow, so this simply affirms my thought, nevermind that it’s for a different reason.
We’ve also not traveled with Alvaro Saborio, but the club’s statement on his being left behind was a bit more vague. While he is likely still nursing a calf injury, this is rumored to be more punitive, his exit on Saturday and perhaps something afterward being the catalyst. Jason Kreis had mentioned in his post-match presser that he was looking to rest Sabo so he would be fit for Tuesday, so either that’s failed, or there was an injury recurrence, or there is some punitive aspect. Whatever the cause, it’s a bit disappointing.
But I can confirm that Arturo Alvarez traveled, which is a big plus. The lad’s been out injured for what seems like ages, and this might be a good time to reintroduce him. Let’s hope he doesn’t fall back into injury land — we all know how bad those can be, especially recurring problems.
I’ve not heard too much about the squad that traveled — likely Jason Kreis playing his hand close — so perhaps there are some surprises in store. Only 8 hours until kickoff, though, so perhaps I’ll just leave it at that.
Come on you Claret and Cobalt!
Predicted lineup:
Reynish
Beltran - Olave - Borchers - Wingert
Beckerman - Gonzalez - Grabavoy - Warner
Gil - Alexandre
Potential subs: Melia, Schuler, McKenzie, Williams, Alvarez, Espindola, Johnson
On Friendly matches
While other clubs in the MLS are gearing up to play some big European names (New England, I’m looking specifically at you right now, but LA Galaxy, Chicago Fire, Philadelphia Union, Vancouver Whitecaps — you’re not exempt by any means) we, the Claret and Cobalt, are gearing up to push onward with our title run. And at this crucial part of the season, you’d think every club would be singularly focused on that instead of attempting to introduce existing football fans to their clubs.
The single moment that brought the most respect to Real Salt Lake across Utah? The MLS Cup win, and nobody would dispute that. Sure, our friendly with Real Madrid seemed to signify that there was at least something to the club, but that MLS Cup win took RSL from “Oh hey, we have a soccer team in Utah” to “I’m an RSL fan” for so, so many people. So when I see these clubs gearing up to face world stars, I can’t help but wonder: What about the title? What about the Cup?
LA Galaxy are the worst offenders of the bunch, playing two friendlies in 8 days, facing off against Real Madrid and (ick) Manchester City. I suppose there are some similarities — all three are clubs that spend money like it’s going out of style, and all three are not all that impressive. (I’m not a Manchester City fan by any means. Is that obvious by now?) Further, LA Galaxy are facing a crucial build-up to the Supporters’ Shield challenge — or has that escaped them? Top of the league (though with games in hand) and instead of taking a chance to rest players on an off day, they’ll be playing their hearts out against two big clubs. If (and that’s a reasonably big ‘if’) they manage to smash one or both of Real Madrid and Man City, they’ll have a nice boost to their spirits. If they don’t manage that, will that help in any way their Supporter’s Shield run?
Now, I get the argument. Cold, hard cash — and fans. But on the eve of Sir Alex (ugh) saying MLS could be as big as La Liga, the Premier League, the Bundesliga (and that we should separate into four leagues … I’m sorry, that’s probably not the answer, Al), we should note one thing: Those leagues did not get where they are by playing other big clubs — they got where they are by being competitive and producing stellar football (and being from big footballing nations, of course.)
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