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Real Salt Lake: Columbus struggling to score

georg | 8:23 a.m. Nov. 2, 2009

Todd, Denz, Jank, Howard??? or any one else
Question? Would you mess with Jason starting line-up for this match in Columbus? If so who would start and why.

My take is to start Findley and Movsisian up front and leave the rest of the line-up the same.
I think RSL will defend in numbers and hope to spring a few counter strikes. In that type of a match Findley's speed and Movsisian's aggressive play should create some problems for Columbus and keep them from being able to push to many players forward. What do you guys think.

Nussdorfer AC | 9:59 a.m. Nov. 2, 2009

I agree with you georg, but I think we need to keep the midfield open and not put the team behind the ball since we invariably leak a run or two. It seems our back line works the best with a little more space. Just a thought.

georg | 10:02 a.m. Nov. 2, 2009

I agree with Georg when those two were on the field, things happend, Espi didn't look that good, but maybe it was just an off day for him, I look for us to have at least 9 players behind the ball and go for a 0-0 tie or any kind of tie or a win.

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astroboy: re georg | 10:06 a.m. Nov. 2, 2009

interesting idea, but I really like the hustle espy gives us, and is a good complement player to both findley and yura. whereas yura and findley are too similar of players to complement each other well. I know they combine on the goal, but i think that was just one sequence and over the course of a game (or first 60 min) they'd end up in each others way more often than not.

I would say same lineup, the 4-4-2 and williams starting over mathis are the real revelations at work here.

nerves | 11:21 a.m. Nov. 2, 2009

I am glad that this article cleared this situation up a bit. I was wondering if we should feel a little disrespected by Columbus not putting their two best strickers on the field. I can definitely see the situation that Columbus' coach is in right now if they are in a drought.
I figured if Columbus pulled off the tie we were dead, but that goal lead will give us a lot of confidence and I hope we play it right and advance.

leftyjace | 11:24 a.m. Nov. 2, 2009

Yura is a great super-sub. He really is. Espindola is just too good at causing havoc. He may not get a ball in the goal, or he may not even get a good shot off - but he's constantly applying pressure on the backline, and that helps.

I say keep Findley and Espindola. Then for the 2nd half throw in Yura for whichever of the two is proving to be completely ineffective. (Yura seems to play great with either one.)

The key is is Jason continues to have the guts to keep mathis on the bench and keep williams in there. Williams has been the biggest plus over the last few games of the season. He's playing out of his gourd - and will likely continue to do so. We need him to keep serving up great assists, seeing as how Javy is doing NOTHING.

Anonymous | 12:16 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

I hope Columbus' scoring whoas continue on Thursday and RSL opens it up a bit and attacks instead of bunkering down. Coming out and attaking would surprise the yellow boys and we'd get a goal or two.

GO RSL!

Re: Georg | 12:32 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

I agree with you that Espy did not have a good game, but he is running all the time to long balls that Wingert think is a pass, I think Espindola plays better having Beltran at left, who is a better passer than Wingert. Columbus will try to attack since the beginning and would be interesting having Findley for long passes or movsician lather on the game looking for long balls in counter attack. I hope Kreis plays Robbie and Beltran and keep Wingert in the bench. This will improve the passing game from defense to the strikers. Columbus won't play defense in this game. I am concern about Rimando's size seing how good the crew players kick from outside the box.

moe | 12:51 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

Looking at midfield. Just something I noticed last game. How many times did Morales lose a 50/50 ball because he was not aggressive enough and got pushed off the ball. Seems like he tries to out skill the opposing player when he needs to body up and win the ball. Yes, he has foot skills but that does not always translate to being productive. In contrast, Williams may be slower and not as skillful, but he is very creative. Pick your poison!

Front line. Seems like Findley and Yura play off each other better but with Yura taking off next year, rather build some experience with who will be around next year. I do like Esp. wearing down the defense. Fun to watch.

Go RSL!

Chadders | 12:58 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

I know this is a little out there but for this game I would play the 4-3-3 with the following:
ESPY Campos Mathis
Johnson Morales Beckerman
Beltran Olave Borchers Wingert
Why the change? Colombus will definetely be preparing for our diamond 4-4-2 so that will throw them off. Also that striking trio would be too much to handle especially for a team that has to get forward and attack leaving space in the back. Espy even on his bad days still requires a lot of attention, Campos is so big and has such good ball control he has to be marked but at least 1 sometimes 2 defenders at all times, and Clint playge the through ball perfectly and has a wicked finishing touch.
Also with the 4-3-3 if we are doing well we just drop back Clint and Espy and play a 4-5-1 and defend. Our diamond formation has been terrible on the road. If we do what we always do (ie play exactly the same lineup after a win), we will have the exact same results (lose because other teams adjust and we don't). Fortune favors the bold, no?

Arsenal44 | 2:48 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

I love the way ESPY plays especially when we have a lead. Put pressure on, help back when needed and run your heart out. I think he should start. I also think Andy needs to start, with Crew pushing for a goal his vision and touch are the PERFECT counter attack. This is javis type of game as well, he should have more space and look to play balls through and over the top. Lastly, beckerman and will need to look to take a shot from range, both have shown they have the ability to score and it will put the crew on their heals. Lets do it on Thursday boys! COME ON!

Anonymous | 3:08 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

Chadders,
I think you're right on with that analysis. The only thing I would change is to have Mathis come in as a super sub and start Williams or Findley or Yura. I like the experience that Mathis brings to the field and, when he actually decides to play, he makes some wonderful contributions to the game both on and off the ball, but lately he has been absolutely terrible 80% of the game and I don't think he's earned a start in such a crucial game. Williams could just as easily be that third forward option and I trust him much more in the mid field if we do drop to a 4-5-1. Now....If only Kries could find the lluevos to do it...

STEVE-O | 3:43 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

I say go for the throat. Play an aggressive lineup and go for the first goal! What I don't want to see is a reserved team that's playing for a 0-0 tie. We can all see how that plan turned out for the Crew.
We need guys who can control the game with passing and smart decisions. Espy and Movsisyan should start. And at half time they can evaluate the game and possibly put in Findley if we need some more speed.
I like Williams, Beckerman, Javi, Johnson in the middle. And honestly I'd prefer Robbie Russel over Beltran.

nerves | 4:15 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

I think (hope) we have learned by now that we are no good when we try to bunker. I expect we will come out trying to go up further on the crew by at least a goal before we start to hunker down.
We are the 8 seed, we don't have to sell tickets for a home game anymore, what do we have to lose? I think Real plays pretty loose and by now realizes that our best defense is our offense.
My biggest worry is service over the top to the crews tall players as well. Rimando is quick, but he has trouble reaching high balls.

The bright side | 5:01 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

They may be struggling to score, but they're doing a fine job of making soccer boring.

georg | 5:24 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

The best defence is a dangerous offence and keeping some pressure on Columbus may be our best bet, but I still feel we will play very defencivly and hope for a counter. I have no problem seeing Espindola in the opening line-up and agree with many of the above posts that he is a handful. Not so sure this is the match to start Campos, or bring back Mathis.
Chadder's how could possibly keep Findley out?
One thing is certain, Columbus needs to press the action and RSL can take advantage of such a Situation.

Nazdar | 6:36 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

Both Yura and Findley have had spectacular moments when coming in off the bench. They shouldn't both start as we may need that lift in the 60th minute or so. ESPY should start so that he can work at wearing down the Crew defense. He constantly goes at them. This only goes to be a benefit for the super sub forward that comes in. I like our backline staying the same as last game. And Williams needs to start of course. RSL needs to absorb the first 15 minutes of pressure that the Crew will undoubtedly apply and then take control. We absolutely can not hunker for this game. I really like our chances for this match. Soccer is so awesome! Go RSL!

todd from santa ana | 6:56 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

Gentlemen: Findlay needs to play, I would have Yura off the bench as sub with energy about 65th min because I am a believer a sub does not get good rythym unless you give a fair 25 minutes. Andy and Espy to start. Have Clint as one of the 2 subs if needed come on if we need a goal or we need his passing to help maintain possession.,

I agree we need to go out and jump right at Columbus, I would not wait to soak up pressure, out on a solid first 15-20 minutes see if we can go 2 goals up on this tie

hardly wait

Vince Clortho | 9:20 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009

WINNING STRATEGY:
-Hold the ball and make CC chase as they must score
-Look to counter as CC will be pressing forward
-Challenge and disrupt passes in the midfield

Simple enough...I agree with RF or YM coming off of the bench, preferably around minute 55-60...

Andy W definitely needs to be in the game...

Cowboy | 10:03 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009

I think it's a big pity that away goals don't count double as they do in most 2-leg match ups because that encourages attacking play.

The MLS rules need to change to make it even more exciting!

Possession... | 11:13 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009

... will be key. RSL can't sit back and hold a lead, it just doesn't work, the defense is too prone to mental lapses.

Andy should start, Mathis should be a tactical sub ~60th min. RF needs to start, he plays best with Espy; Yura/Campos for subs depending on situation. I'd rather see Russell at right back and Beltran at left. Ned, Cox, REK, Seitz, and Wingert round out the bench.

I won't be surprised to see Yura starting over Espy/Findley though. The boys have a chance to take this game, hope they show up to play.

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