Tonight marks the first of three games against Real Salt Lake (RSL). The weather will be dreary and I’m concerned the game might be as well. RSL and the Rapids have taken different paths the past few years to reach where they are today.
The current version of the Rapids is mostly unchanged from last years version. Starters, Kimura, Harvey, Cummings, Clark and LaBrocca are products of the Rapids draft. RSL has no such group in their starting eleven. In fact, RSL has no RSL draft picks in the starting eleven, instead electing to bring experienced players. I think results of those approaches are reflected in their relative success on the field. RSL has eliminated the Rapids the past two years from the play-offs. Last year RSL was clearly a better team and advanced to the conference final. This year is seeing much the same results.
RSL also starts four ex-Rapids players. Clint Mathis, Kyle Beckerman, Chris Wingert and Nat Borchers. Sadly, I would easily take the final three and replace the current Rapids at their positions. Yes, I’d even take Beckerman over Pablo. I will grant that Pablo may be better defensively, by a little. But Kyle brings more dynamic play to RSL. He will roam forward and participate in the offense. He provides options for the forwards and other midfielders that Pablo doesn’t. Generally, when Pablo distributes the ball forward, he disengages. Beckerman will continue to work up field in support of the other players.
RSL also brought in Javier Morales as a midfielder/forward. Javier has wonderful vision and can distribute the ball like few others in MLS. He is also dangerous on his own. Javier makes RSL a better team by making the players around him better.
I don’t see a good result tonight. RSL’s defense is solid and matches up well with Casey and Cummings. I expect the game to play out much like the games against the Crew and Houston. RSL will have most of the play while the Rapids look (hope) to counter. I think Pablo can mostly neutralize Morales, but I expect Findley and Movsisyan to cause the Rapids defense many problems.
I look for a 2-0 win by RSL. I hope I’m wrong.
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Interesting persepective regarding Pablo. I think the Rapids might lose to much without him to protect the defense.
I noticed you didn’t comment on Clint.