Welcome to November: The month of MLS Cup champions — and when it really starts to cool down outside, leaving us in a jolt as we struggle to fathom what happened to our balmy weather.
Thankfully, with the exit of that relatively nice weather also comes the exit of our run of form — which, on the surface, doesn't seem so bad — 5 wins in 11 matches. Wait, no, that seems bad, too. Six winless matches not only looks miserable, it is miserable. But here's the thing: We're past that now.
At least, that's the hope. If we're to succeed in this return leg against Seattle, we've really got to buck up and concentrate — just like we did for 90 minutes already. For that part, it doesn't really matter if we have Borchers and Olave back; it doesn't matter if Chris Wingert or Robbie Russell plays in the middle; and it certainly doesn't matter if we have two of the best players in Major League Soccer together for another playoff match.
Sure, we want to be at full-strength in our lineup, but that's not really what matters. The important part, to my mind, is that every single man who plays puts their best damn shift in. Concentrating not for 30, 60, or even 90 minutes will be enough. We want these boys concentrating on the match as they're flying home, ready to take part in the conference final because they're that ready against Seattle.
It's especially important, because Seattle will know they can do this. They know they can win at home, and they know they can win by a hefty margin — but they don't know that against us. They'll be busy attacking, attacking, attacking, trying to get a goal, so it's important that we do them one better and score early. With a 4-0 or 5-0 aggregate scoreline, even a complete collapse really should see us go home with a win. Now, I'm not advocating that we score several and collapse — that seems awfully risky — but we have to be in a position where collapsing a bit wouldn't kill us. You know, sort of like an earthquake-safe building.
Some notes, then:
- The news is actually relatively good regarding Borchers and Olave. Both will be taking part in a late fitness test, and if we have one or both back, we'll be stronger for it. Now, I'm really not worried if we have to put Wingert or Russell into the center, but we'd be better having our best players on the pitch. (Yes, I know what I said above.)
- Dave Clark of Sounder at Heart writes about how Seattle will be looking to continue their trend of bucking the trend: http://www.sounderatheart.com/2011/11/1/2529787/seattle-sounders-ready-history
- Don Ruiz of The News Tribune in Tacoma writes about the impact Alvaro Fernandez could have tomorrow: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/11/01/1888097/down-to-its-last-hope.html
- Both Martin Renzhofer of the Salt Lake Tribune (http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/blogsrsl/52822100-49/kreis-saborio-costa-really.html.csp) and James Edward of the Deseret News (http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700193441/Real-Salt-Lake-needs-Alvaro-Saborio-in-solid-form-to-make-a-deep-run.html) write about Alvaro Saborio, his impact, and his personality.
More tomorrow, folks. Today, let's bask in that win one last time, get our minds off this weather, and get ready to bring home the MLS Cup.
Come on you Claret and Cobalt!
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