Two teams on 15 points, RSL only has the one loss to Chivas when they dominated play, we're still perfect. Unlike the other teams we've played this season, RSL is actually really in form at the moment. Should be a very good game.
I think it's going to be a hell of a match. SKC beal LA because of teamwork. SKC played like a team, LA played like 11 guys on a field. RSL is actually working well as a team, and I'm afraid that we haven't had a tough enough opponent this year to really test our mettle. I'm concerned that we may be a little cocky going into this one. Not that this game isn't winnable, I just hope we're not underestimating RSL.
I'm a little worried about all the laurels heaped upon our defense and the continued proclamation of our gaudy statistics (points, goals against, minutes without a SOG, etc...). This is the kind of stuff that can get in a team's head if it's not careful. It happens all the freaking time in sports. Others have said it... we've been doggone lucky. Granted, I love the start, the wins, and the points, but I think it's early and we may be getting ahead of ourselves. It's hard to call a game against the presently "best" other club in the league a trap, but I think it has that feel. I'm hoping we stay on our game and get the points this weekend, but it could be UGLY... Sorry for the glass half-full view today.
Big weekend in the young season. SKC-RSL, the 2 "top" teams thus far in the points SJ-NY #3 vs #4 Col-Sea #5 vs #7 (and seattle with a game in hand) ...And LA and Portland battle for the bottom of the west, whoda seen that coming hah. Pissed that I am out of town this weekend. This should be an awesome game.
At last, we'll be able to answer the question of what happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object? I expect cards, maybe even a red, a PK call, a PK save, a meteor shower during the game that ends when Collin grabs a baseball bat and hits them back into space. This game is going to be bananas.
Vancouver set the record for no goals allowed... And then promptly let in a bunch of goals, and lost the game. I am confident that Vermes will remind our guys of that fact, and I'm sure he's not the kind of coach that's going to let anyone's head get too big. We want to win everything at home, of course, but a draw against a very good RSL team would not be a disaster by any means.
With how you guys play at LSP (and even on the road, but especially at home) a draw would be a very welcomed result for RSL, in my opinion. Should be exciting to see 2 different styles (wing play vs diamond) go at it. We played a wing style team this past weekend in the cRapids and were the better side in the middle of the park. That'll be the key, once again, in this game. Beckerman v Zusi Johnson v Espinoza Gil v Cessar etc These matchups, especially the one between Beckerman and your more offensive mid (Zusi, right?) will be vital
I wouldn't mind a draw, though I'd love to see RSL come away with three points from LSP. What I'm really looking forward to is a great game that ought to be on national tv -- silly media folks picking by market cache instead of quality play.
The local (SLC) media folks have been covering RSL and MLS much more heavily recently. This year, one of our sports radio stations started up a 2 hour soccer show on Monday nights, "On Frame". It's bee pretty good stuff so far, and is available on the net. This week's show features an interview with Kei Kamara, so I thought you guys might like to listen in. Check it out: On Frame
Bummed I'll miss this one, but I'd love to silence the doubters with a 2 goal win. With two games last week and some injuries, I think this is another winnable game for us, but really I just don't want us to lose. At the end of the day, 4 points from LA and SLC doesn't seem too bad, though with LAs form lately maybe those 3 points were freebies...
All the talking heads made KC vs. LA up to be a statement game, KC's first true test. Poppycock. It's this one right here. RSL are playing as a team, in great form, and they've got just as many wins as we do. This is going to be an insanely good game, and I really hope we can come out on the right side of it.
assuming beckerman doesn't hack zusi into oblivion, of course.... right? that's what you meant to say, isn't it? ... that beckerman is a dirty, hacking piece of shit... right?
I'm hoping that roger just annoys the eff dash dash dash out of beckerman. The battle in the mid should be super excting, and will be what decides the match.
The first 30 minutes of this game should be a masterpiece in tactical warfare as the two teams look to break eachother down. This one will be one or lost in the locker room at halftime. As a coach I normally do not think a coach has much impact come game day, but the adjustments made by each team at half and the subs used could have a big impact on the final result.
The man only has 3 YCs in 6 league matches this year (and Im sure they're all bs too). In other words, he hasn't even been carded more than 50% of the time in 2012. From SI, 4/6/12: "I dont know what it is, something goes on and just the lion comes out" Beckerman said of his alter ego. "I try to control it the best I can, but I'm emotional, passionate about our team and each year I try to tame it a little, tame it a little, then it just comes out without me knowing it." http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/soccer/04/06/beckerman.rsl.ap/index.html
Let's hope Zeus doesn't get too close....he already had a tooth knocked out last week. Hopefully no whiplash from that gnarly rats nest he calls hair either. Yuck.
it is my opinion that a match's quality is inversely proportional to the hype it receives.....which means this match is going to suck. but maybe not two damn good teams going at it while they are in damn good form, similar styles with slightly different ways they do it. strong defenses too, which might hamper some of that crescendo excitement, but it should be a good one to watch.
I don't think this will suck. I think they are going to trade blows. Pretty excited for this one. Zusi is due for a goal. Convey is due. This seems like one of those games where Collin or Cesar might squeak one by on a corner. CJ is hungry for more. Any moment now Teal is gonna realize he's the backup and start playing with fire (I don't think anyone has told him yet). Even though the defenses are playing well, something has got to give. I would actually be more surprised at a 0-0 draw than a 4-4 draw. This is one of those games that can really set you apart from the rest of the league and make a statement. I think both teams are gonna step on the accelerator and go for it. I feel like it's gonna be more like our home match against L.A. last season.
I agree In all seriousness: I hope this game has flow to it. The game at the RioT last year between the two sides lacked that because the ref felt the need to blow his whistle every god damn minute of play - or so it felt. Both teams, while capable of quick strikes, like to build a flow to their game to get in a rhythm. Hopefully this game establishes one and opens up a little bit. This early in the season, I'd be shocked if the offenses for either side out-performed the defenses. I think we could be treated to a very entertaining 0-0 draw in this one. This doesn't mean there won't be chances, I just think the back 4 for each team can go blow for blow with the attack of the other.
I'm already an anxious wreck just waiting for this damn game. It's winnable, and I'd love 3 points at home. However, a draw would not be the worst thing in the world. It could maybe let the boys know "okay, so there are other teams in this league that are pretty damn good as well" all while grabbing a point from it. Not that I'm saying that's how our guys look at the season now as I'm sure they're all well aware that Salt Lake is a good team. Predicting a 2-1 win for the good guys. And I can smell a golazo coming from one of our midfielders.
I think this is going to be a physical game and my gut tells me this is going to be a draw. After the game Saturday, I went ahead and predicted a 2-2 draw. We are due for something other than a win and RSL is the quality side that can come in and disrupt the flow we have had. While you always want 3 points at home, getting a draw at home against a strong RSL side after getting 15 early points wouldnt be a bad result.
you bunch of nancies! it's barely wednesday yet, don't already be conceding points to them. peter's gonna get our boys to stomp on them and dominate like we did last year at home. 3-1 to the good guys. if our team is as good as those of you posting in the "why skc should win the supporters shield" thread thinks we are, we should expect nothing less than 3 points on saturday.
I'll tell you who's overdue for a goal. Roger has been teeing it up this year but hasn't found the net yet. He's going to rocket one in soon, mark my words.