RSL's young players facing Mexican club

Youth will again take center stage for Real Salt Lake in a non-league game at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Eight days after a reserve-laden squad beat Virginia Beach 2-1 to advance in the U.S. Open Cup, coach John Ellinger will put out a similar team when Salt Lake hosts Morelia of Mexico at 7 tonight.

RSL's reserve players, headed by rookie Mehdi Ballouchy, undoubtedly gained confidence from their extra-time win in the U.S. Open Cup last week. They'll look to build on that victory against Morelia, which competes in the Mexican League First Division.

"I think our (reserve) guys will bring a good energy level, as they did against Virginia Beach," Ellinger said. "So I'm hoping that that win for those guys will carry over and they can play with a lot of confidence."

RSL season-ticker holders can access the game by using their "Bonus Game D" tickets, which were included with their other season tickets.

Ellinger isn't going with youth because he doesn't think Morelia is a quality side. Instead, Salt Lake finds itself in the middle of a crucial league stretch, and Ellinger will need his senior players to be available later in the month.

"Not that (Morelia's) not a big game, because they're a very good team," Ellinger said. "But it just comes right in the middle of (the most) serious number of games that we've had all season. So I've got to be smart about it."

Accordingly, Jason Kreis, Jeff Cunningham, Carey Talley, Douglas Sequeira, Eddie Pope and Chris Klein are all expected to be rested against Morelia.

On the other hand, Joey Worthen, Ballouchy, Ryan Johnson, Nik Besagno, Cameron Knowles, Jay Nolly and Kenny Cutler are expected to see significant minutes. Ellinger said that RSL's normal starting fullbacks — Kevin Novak and Willis Forko — will start against Morelia.

As Ellinger quickly pointed out, several of his reserve players have seen extensive action with the senior team.

"It's not that bad," he said.

Morelia played fellow Mexican side Atlas last Sunday. It is preparing for the upcoming Mexican season.

What does Ellinger expect to see from Morelia?

They will be a "very technical side, very aggressive on both sides of the ball," he said. "They'll be aggressive going forward. They'll be aggressive defending . . . I'm sure they don't want to do anything to risk an injury."

ENDLINES: Ellinger pointed out to reporters after practice on Tuesday that his side, thanks to a 3-1 win last Saturday over New England, has clinched its first season-series victory in franchise history. RSL drew at home with the Revolution earlier in the year. However, RSL officials didn't notice the accomplishment. "Didn't slip by me, though," joked Ellinger.

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E-mail: drasmussen@desnews.com