"It's all situational. If we are tied late in the game, I think definitely we would drop back a little bit and go into a defensive shape," said RSL defender Nat Borchers. "But I think the best defense for our team is to keep the ball. If we do that, we're not going to be able to be beaten."

In the event RSL grabs an early lead, the team will likely take a more defensive approach. At the same time, Colorado would be ripe to surrender counterattacks if it falls behind and RSL could position itself to put the nail in the coffin.

"We're going to play our soccer for sure," said RSL keeper Nick Rimando. "We're going to go out and try and press them and try and get a goal for sure. We don't want to have a tie the whole way. We have to go in with the mindset to try and get three points; if not something bad could happen."

ENDLINES: About 200 Real Salt Lake fans are expected to make to the trek to Denver this Saturday for the decisive match of the Rocky Mountain Cup. Rimando said he expects their presence to be a huge boost to the team's confidence.

RSL on the air

Real Salt Lake (10-10-9) at Colorado Rapids (11-14-4)

Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

TV: HDNet

Radio: 700 AM, 1600 AM

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E-mail: jedward@desnews.com