"Here again is Robbie Russell that comes into a game with last minute notification, and he's fantastic. I thought he was one of the best players for us on the field," Kreis said.

It shouldn't come as a surprise that any of the trio is capable of stepping right in and performing well in front of a hostile and raucous Chivas crowd. They were all playing overseas prior to joining RSL, and they know what it takes to get the job done in big-time matches.

"They were crucial additions to just get a different dimension. With Robbie you get a guy who's played in the (UEFA) Champions League. He's got tons of experience, he's athletic and he makes all the right decisions," Borchers said. "Mathis is the same. He's got tons of experience and he really has the right mentality on the field and he's so dangerous every time he has the ball. Then you have Will, he's a young guy but he works his butt off."

It's been a successful formula so far, and the entire organization is hoping it produces two more wins.

MLS Western finals

New York at Real Salt Lake

Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

Rio Tinto Stadium

TV: Fox Soccer Channel

Radio: 700AM, 1600AM

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E-mail: jedward@desnews.com