Real Salt Lake blog

Well, RSL’s exclusive spot at 2nd place in the west couldn’t last forever.  Tonight it will end.

Houston is the home team, and if they win RSL will drop into third place.  That is a likely event.  What about a tie you ask?  That would see Real Salt Lake sharing 2nd place with Houston (although RSL’s goal averages would be better.  Same scenario with a Dallas win.  RSL will share 2nd place, and lead in the Goal differential.

But do not be down hearted! Real Salt lake can earn it right back, and could even take first place (if LA looses to DC United when they go to DC)!  Real Salt lake has a chance this weekend to do great things!  Lets hope that they do!

There was a story today in the USA today giving some of the history of Freddy Adu.  They had some quotes and comments that he made about playing in the MLS with so much attention, the hardships he faced making more than many of his teammates, having to play with coaching staff that wanted to take the creativity out of him, being the youngest player to ever be signed in the MLS, etc…

In other words he has still not grown up.  He should be asking himself a question.  Why did Altidore get the largest transfer fee ever given to a MLS player?  Why is he making more money?  His attitude, plain and simple.  Hopefully someday Freddy will grow up.  It would serve him well to do so.

Watching the game Saturday, I found myself experiencing varied emotions as the game played on.

First the New England goal… I was doing all I could not to scream at Borchers and Rimando! “What in the world was that!?!?!?!”

Then a few minutes later I was on the opposite end of the spectrum when, due to Deuchars hard work, an own goal was forced! “Wheh! Ok back in the game…”

Moments later the camera crew interviewed Steve Nichols who said “The only way these guys have a chance of beating us if this ref keeps giving nonsense set pieces.” You condescending little punk! What kind of statement is that. I was really hoping for a win at that point to rub it in he arrogant face.

Then Findley gets hurt, and in comes some guy that none of us have ever seen do ANYTHING! “Great” I’m thinking. “What tremendous depth we have on our bench.”

You all know the rest! Tino Nunez has a shot at his first MLS goal. And what does he do? SCORES! Doesn’t he know that he plays for RSL? He should have put that right at the keep, or over the crossbar! “Phew!” Now I am just praying that we do not drop into a defensive posture and wait for them to score on us… When, low and behold, Jason subs Deuchar for Cutler “The amazing Playmaker!” (That was sarcastic, BTW). Instantly balls are being played back to Rimando, who is stalling like there is no tomorrow. “Man we are gonna loose this” I said to my wife. But just as fast we start attacking. And not just that, we start attacking well! We kept great possession, stayed in their half, and played smart balls back when the opportunity was there! Unbelievable!

The rest is history! I have taken a screen to preserve this forever! Real Salt Lake in 2nd place!

So where will/could Real Salt Lake be in the Western standings after this weekends matches?  The prospects are good for a 2nd place spot, IF they show up to play.

First lets look at the HOU v COL game.  COL is home.  This year they are 4-2 at home scoring 11 goals, and letting 5.  Not too shabby.  However they will be missing Bouna to international, and Petke, Burciaga, AND my favorite Mastroeni due to injuries.   Do not fear though, Houston will be missing Onstad, and De Rosario playing for the Queen.  I would pick a tie but Colorado can’t seem to keep their head when scores are close, and have not tied a game yet.  So I will go with the home field advantage and call a COL win.

LA Galaxy v Columbus is a tough one.  Not a lot to mention on international absences.  Both teams can score, both can play ok on the road.  I guess I have to pick LA, again due to the home field advantage.

SO, IF RSL will play tonight, and can keep the home field as undefeated turf, I think that we will look like this tomorrow.

LA 23 pts
COL 18 pts
RSL 17 pts
CHI 17 pts
HOU 17 Pts

I would love to see RSL snap out of it an get a win, but I don;t see it happening against New England.

Normally I do not like to comment on news by the Salt Lake Tribune.  They are so ANTI-RSL it make me sick a lot of the time.  However, if RSL would do something right maybe the trib would lay off a little.

I have observed that they enjoy putting negative articles in the paper the morning of games, probably to try to get comments from the announcers at that nights game.  I have heard the players talk a few times about not caring what they have to say, but I know it gets to them…  Hopefully today they will thoroughly study this mornings article because they need to realize that their lack of winning, and scoring goals is NOT ok, like Jason Kries seems to keep telling the media (and probably the team).  I think that it is funny that Steve Pasterino wrote this article, when he was around we were worse than now…  c’est la vie!

Real Salt Lake must win tonight.