One Foot In?
We’re underway here at Rio Tinto stadium, so we’ll get straight to the lineups.
Real Salt Lake: GK – Nick Rimando; DF – Ian Joy, Jamison Olave, Robbie Russell, Chris Wingert; MF – Will Johnson, Dema Kovalenko, Javier Morales, Kyle Beckerman; FW – Clint Mathis, Yura Movsisyan
Bench: Chris Seitz, Tony Beltran, Kenny Deuchar, Fabian Espindola, Robbie Findley, David Horst, Andy Williams
FC Dallas: GK – Dario Sala; DF – Adrian Serioux, Duilio Davino, Drew Moor, Blake Wagner; MF – Victor Sikora, Bruno Guarda, Pablo Richetti, Marcelo Saragosa; FW – Jeff Cunningham, Kenny Cooper
Bench: Ray Burse, Eric Avila, Michael Dello-Russo, Dominic Oduro, Aaron Pitchkolan, Bobby Rhine, Jamie Watson
20th minute: Well, this is definitely not the start RSL was looking for. FC Dallas came out on fire, pressuring the Salt Lake defense from the get-go. It paid off in the 7th minute when a long (and we mean long!) throw-in from Adran Serioux found Marcelo Saragosa at the top of the six-yard box. A quick touch took a funny hop and beat a diving Nick Rimando into the upper corner to give Dallas the quick lead. The goal marks the quickest an opponent has scored on RSL this season and it couldn’t come at a worse time.
Real has picked it up over the last few minutes and started to possess the ball much better, but they’ve yet to find the final ball they need to break through though.
31st minute: RSL has been unable to break through on goal so far, but they did just get one break. Hoops goalscorer Saragosa has picked up his second caution of the match and been sent to the locker room. Dallas will be playing with 10 the rest of the way…
36th minute: Well, it didn’t take long for RSL to capitalize on an undermanned Dallas squad. A beautiful little touch to the top of the area found Yura. The Real striker took a great turn on his defender and buried the shot into the back of the net to equalize things at 1-1.
44th minute: The tide has definitely turned here. It’s been all RSL for the last 15 or so minutes. Of course they’d love to capitalize with another tally before Dallas can get to the break and make any adjustments.
Halftime: Well, we’ve reached the break of a rollercoaster first half. After Saragosa was shown red, it was all RSL, so we’ll see if they can keep the pressure up in the second stanza. We wouldn’t be surprised to see Kenny Deuchar pretty early after the break. With only ten men, Dallas has given RSL all day long to run down the wings. Look for them to capitalize on the width and get their head on some balls in the area.
69th minute: The pressure has continued so far this half. RSL finally broke through in the 54th minute when defender Chris Wingert found Will Johnson just outside the box and Will made absolutely no mistake with his side-volley, slotting it into Dallas’ far post. 2-1 RSL…
74th minute: RSL Head Coach Jason Kreis has just made his second substitution of the match (Andy Williams replaced Dema at the half), replacing Yura up top with the speedster, Robbie Findley.
79th minutes: The Hoops are putting everything into this one. They’ve now brought on both Dominic Oduro and Jamie Watson on to pair with Jeff Cunningham up top (they have replaced Kenny Cooper however).
86th minute: And we’ve got another one folks. Second half sub, Robbie Findley takes a ball from Javi at the corner of the area. Robbie brings it down, takes a touch to his right and curls a beautiful shot into the side-netting at the far post. RSL leads 3-1…
18 Oct 2008 06:29 pm RSL HQ 42 comments
great win!!!! okay everyone read my suggestion under the video blog. i think this would be so much fun!!!! check it out under the comments in that blog. it would be our last blast and maybe out FO might do it if we all want it!!!!! something for the fans to party!!
Saweet, will’s goal was sick–definitely goal of the week.
can you guys post that video you showed before the game tonight??? please my friends sayed they saw me on it right when i was not lookin on the screen dang. also great game tonight, actually thats not giving it justice fetchin amazing game. playoffs here we come thank you RSL for the best season ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Great win. Johnson has made such a difference since he was signed. He’s had only one bad game, and that was against NY and is one of the reasons we didn’t get 3 that game. He really attacks quickly when he has a chance, something RSL midfield has needed.
I don’t see what Kreis sees in Mathis. Match after match he brings nothing. He had two prime chances tonght that he just didn’t bother to move to the ball. Why he wasn’t substituted for much earlier is beyond me.
wow just watched the highlights on mlsnet. the crowd was horrible so silent. if your gonna be so against horns and bagpipes atleast make noise. i say until you start makin your noise yourself they should hand horns out at the door. i may not be the biggest fan of horns but it beats silence any day!
sorry forgot to say not everyone was sittin on there hands silently. aka the supporters thanks for bringin a great atmosphere all the time guys its much appreciated.
Awesome game! Great job by the guys to clean up possession after Dallas’ goal. I completely and utterly agree with all my soul about the Mathis comment. I believe that Deuchar could have had at least one of those. Mathis is not a forward and should not be on the field for 89 minutes. We should have won 4 or 5 to 1. We need someone that can finish those chances when we play teams at full strength.
Personally, I like Mathis. He brings grit and I think he got a little unlucky with his opportunities tonight, but i have to appreciate the effort that guy puts in on the field.
Great game. Kreis definitely should have subbed Mathis earlier, but other than that, we got three points, I can’t complain.
I do have one issue though…
Is there any reason why the announcer doesn’t get on the loud speaker and do things to try and get the crowd involved in the game? It would be nice to have him come on with sound bites of claps or chants to try and get the crowd as loud as possible throughout the game, not just when we score a goal. We’ve got a fantastic new stadium and finally a playoff team, but with exception to the South Goal seats, everyone just sits on their hands quietly and waits for a goal before they make any noise. There were a few times last night that we tried to clap along with the drums and get the people around us involved, but no one would join in. I think if the announcer got involved, he would have more influence to wake the crowd up. Just a thought.
That game was a blast. I was nervous with how we started out. We came out flat, FC Dallas seemed to be playing harder than us, and Dallas came out with more of a sense of urgency. Maybe it was the red card that fired us up.
I like Robbie Russell at center back. As an observer that seems to be his most comfortable position. It’s great having two huge, hard-nosed lookalikes (Olave) back there roughing up guys like Cooper and Cunningham.
I know everyone is upset that Mathis plays so much. I think at least if he’s going to play, he should be in the midfield. All season long we have been a team that lobs balls (usually from Morales) over their defense. Mathis is obviously too slow for that. I’m not saying I know more than Coach Kreis, but I think it would be great switch Johnson and Mathis so that we can use Johnson’s speed up top. If I’m not mistaken Johnson has more experience playing up top. Obviously we know about his speed and excellent shooting skill, and it seems like we waste it a bit in the middle.
I’m going to go ahead and put it on record that subbing out Kenny Cooper for Jamie Watson was the worst managing move of the season. FC Dallas chances of going to the playoffs ended there.
Anyways, great game. It was a blast to be a part of. I’m glad it’s not the last home game of the season (Go Chivas USA today). See you all in the playoffs.
If that Danny Cepero goal takes goal of the week from Johnson I will be furious…seriously, if it was goalkeeper blunder of the week then I would understand, but goals like that from goalkeepers aren’t great just rarely.
I am a huge Chivas fan today.
Chivas in the 1st round would be a dream matchup in the playoffs. I know they’re hot, but really – Does a team that starts Atiba Harris, Carrey Talley, Alecko Eskandarian & that big tall dork from Utah scare anyone? They are 1/2 the team RSL is. If we play our game we will be meeting up with Houston in the 2nd round.
Mathis is a great linking distributor – He had a quality match. He’s not in there to score goals – He’s in there as a link between the mids & Yura. He also is a coach on the field and helps us keep our shape. I like Clint on the field even though i would rather see Fabi out there!
Going to the Chivas game today! Balouchy is gay
Fantastic win last night! My biggest criticism Is the same one I had at RSL. Why won’t you show replays on fouls, offsides etc? Do you think we can’t control ourselves if we see a replay of a horrible foul, especially one resulting in a yellow or red?
I think it’s rediculous to always go to commercial on the big screen whenever there is controversy on the field. Coverage on TV always seems much better than what we see on the stadium screen.
That’s my big whine, now I’ll go back to celebrating and cheering for Chivas for the only time in my life.
Hello all, thought i might give a review on the new facilities. Just moved here to be with my mum, wasn’t able to attend the opener game but made it last night. The football wasn’t what i i’m used to, but still quality. The facility also top notch for a smallish stadium. Lovely!
But, i was a bit cought off guard byt the atmosphere. Never in all my many days as a football fanatic have i even imagined a stadium or pitch that doesn’t allow noise. Quite odd indeed! I was so excited about the game, my first American football game, i brought my trusty horn to toot off some good noise. Was i ever shocked to find they wouldn’t allow it in, they took it and just set it aside there, just setting there. This horns been with me for years. Even been heard in Old Trafford! Upon leaving the stadium my fear, that my old football horn wouldn’t be waiting for me, was dreadfully confirmed. Snatched. Now i’m without my old horn, although with an organization such as this apparently i’ll not be needing it.
A shame. Surprizingly classy football played in a stadium as quiet as my niece’s football matches in the childrens leagues.
boldomero toledo is the worst official in mls. bar none.
That was an awesome game! I love the stadium and can’t wait for RSL to make the playoffs.
How in the heck could Toledo award the Crapids 2 PK’s? They were total flops and badly acted as well. I’ve seen better during my 12 year old son’s games.
Guess it will be up to us next week. Go RSL!
It was sad to see the draw in HDC ended by a second questionable PK call by the official. The pressure is again on RSL to win and put themselves in the playoffs.
a couple of thoughts…
-mathis is starting to prove me wrong. I am impressed with his ability to control and deliver on the attack. he is much better as a striker than playing in the midfield.
-johnson is easily the best acquisition of the transfer window. fast and usually real smart. I am a big fan of this kid.
-lee: no team in any league should ever be showing replays on the big screen. you miss it you miss it, sorry. it’s too easy for the official to be influenced by a replay-and it may not be a quality replay. RSL got screwed by this once already this season. why would anyone want this?
-sucks that Colorado picked up the win…especially because their goals came on PKs. agh! I sure hope RSL is ready for next weekend.
I think mathis is doing an ok job, but he needs be be subbed sooner. Also Deuchar needs to come in sooner instead of only 2 to 5 min left in the game. But overall great game.
We really need to focus this week and get a win in colorado.
I thought the game last night was great!!! I definetely feel that there are millions of more positive things about the stadium, the play of our team, and how things went at the game, then there were negatives!!!! I had a great time and was very happy and content about where things are going. We always seem to comment way more on negative things than the positive things. The only issues I had last night were, 1. we arrived in the stadium at 6:30 and tryed to use the bathroom and they said it wouldn’t be open until the game starts at 7???? For reals???? And 2. the crowd was the quietest I have ever noticed (except for when we scored of course) at any game I ever attended at Rice Eccles. I hate saying this, but I was literally BORED during much of the second half because of how quiet and dead the stadium got. There needs to be something done to get the crowd more into the game and get more noise in the stadium. Bring in horns!!! Bring back the bagpiper that I complained about hearing on tv last game. It would be better than silence. When we play our first playoff game, its got to be better!!!!
Aj, Sorry to disagree with you on Mathis, so far the Mathis I have seen still spends far to much energy complaining to refs and running his mouth. If he would shut up and play “I got to him in the first half” he would perhaps be able to focus on finishing his opportunities. Cannot agree with you more on Johnson! his goal was beautiful and perhaps the finest of the season.
With the Colorado win, I hope we did not put the cart before the horse in announcing the sale of playoff tickets to early.
Great Match and I think no matter what happens around the league next week we can get 3 points in Colorado.
Costington……………… Your horn would have got smashed up if i saw you at a game in England, I always supported a club that could make up songs……… SING YA HEART OUT FOR THE LADS
i think both the people on here acting like there from england need to stop. we know your lying. make noise however you want in the stadium.
everyone honestly stop crying about it and just make some damn noise.
is it fair to say that MLS refs screw us even when we’re not playing!? that second PK was an officiating disaster. One, it wasn’t the last defender, and two it couldn’t have been a more obvious flop.
georg, good point on his (mathis’) complaining. it would be nice to see him just play. i may be way off on my assessment [and i was kinda drunk during the FCD game
]. i think he has shown some great skill in controlling the ball in the attacking third–ya know, minus the whining. do you agree? do you think that he has improved over the last few matches?
also, does anyone else feel like its do or die for Deuchar right now? i mean 3 goals from a guy nicknamed Dr. Goals? i dont know if we’ll see him back next season. or maybe he just wont play the scoring role we all hoped for. any thoughts?
oh, one other thing. RSLFO, if youre going to tell the fans to “stay in your seats for live coverage of the post game press conference” maybe you should actually SHOW said press conference! and maybe you should let the security at the stadium know too. my buddies and i got asked to leave waiting for a press conference i doubt was ever shown. ya know, just a thought.
Wow… It was my my bday and I couldn’t have gotten a better present… other than Colorado and Mastreoni getting their butts handed to them as well.
I ate so much confetti.
We sat in the south goal and my boy Alban bought 8 bags of confetti and 12 streamers. So I pulled a 401 K and matched him. I love my beer with a little RSL flavor!!!!!!
I could watch Will’s goal on repeat 24-7!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Better win goal of the week.
See you suckas in the playoffs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’m a big fan of ReAL. But how is that we’re selling tickets for the playoff game before we’ve qualified. Seems like counting chickens a bit too soon ….
Mathis plays because he is a friend of Kreis! That is the only thing I can think of. He is too slow, he does not have the ball handling skills of Williams to help control the flow of the game (which is what I was expecting his role to be with his experience). He will get one or two things right in each game, but not enough to warrant a starting position. I would think that he would be brought in to help kill off a game, but he doesn’t have the skill set to keep the ball in his possession.
Saturdays game was a prime example with an open goal in front of him and old legs that couldn’t get there.
Deuchar is a natural target man, and the fact he is being brought in with only seconds left to play is un bloody believable. Against NY we needed someone who can get to the ball and head it on target, we have only Deuchar that does that well. He can attack the ball in the air, he distributes the ball well as the target man holding it up, or flicking it on to space. He has not scored as much as I would have hoped, like he did in Scotland, but it takes time to adjust to the game as it is played here.
I think we have the best team we have ever had this year, but I am afraid that the selling of play-off tickets may be a bit premature.
Come on RSL!!! This game against the cRapids is the perfect time to show the fans what you are made of, and why you deserve to be in the playoffs this year! At least you can control your own destiny in this one, save that the ref doesn’t call bogus penalties to help the home team.
What did Deuchar do to piss Kreis off? There is no reason to keep Mathis on for 90 minutes and sub Kenny on in the last 2.
I’m not sure why there is so much Mathis hating after this game. He has definitely been more down than up since we got him, but he played really well on Saturday. He had quite a few really nice one touch passes that sprung chances for others. He held the ball well and got the rest of the team involved in the attack. I was surprised that Kries kept him on for so long, but he was dangerous all night. I personally think that Findley deserves more time than Cleetus, but Saturday showed that Mathis can step up in a big game and perform well.
With Espindola coming back, Kreis has five good options at forward. This is by far the deepest RSL has ever been. There are six solid starters competing for four defensive positions, seven solid starters competing for four midfield positions, and five solid starters competing for two forward positions.
Also, I thought Russell was incredible on Saturday for us. He consistently beat Cooper and Cunningham to balls, and broke up play after play. His positioning and reading of the game were nearly flawless.
Well, I find that we are missing the wild card spot because of one tie (or moral victory) to be quite fitting. LOL
So, BOYS…the pressure is on. It all comes down to next Saturday…EVERYTHING IS ON THE LINE and there will be about 75-100 of us there to ROOT you on. PLEASE dont disappoint us and leave us to the throngs of the Crapids fans after the match if something unspeakable happens…. It would be most embarrasing.
Agreed, Paul. I was really confused when they announced on Saturday that playoff tickets were on sale when we don’t even know if we are in. Don’t get me wrong, I hope those that have already purchased tickets get to use them. I also think that season ticket holders should be offered their seats before the general public.
The Chivas Colorado game yesterday was a joke. Glad to see further examples of crazy MLS officiating.
I am even more excited to be at Saturday’s game. It’s going to be one that involves a lot of screaming from me. GO REAL!
rslfutbolfan, good post. wow! how much do moral victories suck!?
but if the worst happens on saturday we’ll also have a seasons worth of near misses to blame for missing the playoffs. AGH! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLAY LIKE ITS ALL ON THE LINE!
I agree SUREGUYS. not that no one is from England, just that noise of any kind should be allowed. And what kind of songs do people keep talking about? Gems like ole ole ole ole Real Salt Lake? Don’t get me wrong, i join in because its better than nothing, but only slightly.
Also, mark me down as another person dissapointed by the awful silence. I can NOT believe that people would whine about horns or noise makers when the stadium is THAT quiet. Absolutely pathetic. ANYTHING to liven things up ought to be allowed. LET THE HORNS (and every noisey thing) IN!!!
Johnson is awesome. Can he get tired? He never stops running!
Everyone always complains about the silence, but lets be honest. If the RO tried to make up cheers or chants everone would be pissed. Then getting rid of Samba Gringa looks like a bad idea because without them its so quiet. Its a lose/lose for everyone involved. Make up your own chants and cheers and quit bitching about ti being quiet.
Watching Mathis (Mattress) play is worse than watching Real play a man down. I don’t know of any high school team that would want him on their team let alone on an MLS league team – maybe he would look good on a U50 team.
The game was awesome. The Col. Chivas game was crap. There were horns in the stadium, the fans from Dallas had them and there was a small group on the north goal who also had them, So what is the policy FO? Is there only a select few who don’t get to bring them? Everyone should be able to have them, It’s part of the fun. Oh, and give me back my bottle cap, I don’t want to down it all before the game starts and I’m standing and clapping, screaming, singing etc…
Bring back the bagpiper! In fact, the team should be led on to the field by drums and bagpipes playing a march for going to war (Deuchar and Joy should know) and they should play after every RSL goal, a rally song.
SJSF…
Great Idea! Fire Samba Gringa and replace it with pipers. And I love the idea of marching on the pitch (and riot into stadium) with a bunch of pipers leading us!
I agree with Jack13 (comment close to the top).
I attended a match in Portugal a couple of weeks ago and the supporters groups were crazy, but it took help from the announcer to get the entire crowd going.
Clapping in unison is one that would seem like a good way to bring the team onto the field. There are a lot of very simple things that the announcer could do and all the crowd would have to do is repeat what they hear.