Real Salt Lake: Robbie Findley still searching for top form

LEHI — Robbie Findley just doesn't seem to be himself yet.

The Real Salt Lake striker has been back from the World Cup for a month now, and though he's scored twice in four matches, he just doesn't seem to be sharp.

Findley admits he felt tired a few weeks ago but insists he's feeling good now.

His coach isn't as convinced.

"I think he's going through a little bit of a lull. I think some of that is to be expected, to be on the biggest of stages with all the emotion that went into that tournament," said RSL coach Jason Kreis. "I think he's a little bit mentally fatigued and a little bit physically fatigued as well."

Findley has started two of RSL's four matches since returning from the World Cup, but he didn't play 90 minutes in either start. In each match, the killer instinct around the box that made him RSL's leading scorer a year ago was lacking.

At his position, that sharpness is of extreme importance.

"Everything about being a striker is about being sharp, and about being really, really focused and really in tune with what's going on 'cause oftentimes you'll get one chance to make a difference in a game so you've got to be ready at all times," Kreis said.

Findley believes extra work in training can help him sharpen up, but Kreis isn't too eager to rush him back early.

"The less minutes we can wear on him right now can benefit him at the end of the season," Kreis said. "We know from our experience last year that we really need to be at our peak at the end of the season. Right now, yeah, we want to continue to be good, but ultimately it's most, most crucial that we're at our best come October."

After only playing 22 minutes as a substitute against Chivas USA last weekend, Findley figures to be in the starting lineup this Saturday against visiting D.C. United.

LONG ROAD BACK: Nelson Gonzalez, who has only made two token last-minute substitute appearances since April because of a hamstring injury, is ready to get back in the mix for Real Salt Lake.

Kreis deemed Gonzalez 100 percent fit, but said he's not 100 percent in form. With the CONCACAF Champions League just around the corner, Real Salt Lake needs the 21-year-old Argentine midfielder to be ready to contribute.