Game 2: Real Salt Lake @ TST

This Saturday Real travels to Carson, California to take on the Goats of Chivas TST. That foul stench in the air? No, it's not Luis Bueno (although his writing may be contributing to it), but the cursed air of the Home Depot Center: "The Place Where RSL Teams Go To Die". Can RSL overcome the curse and defeat their 2005 expansion brethren? I think they have the players to, but after last week's case of deja vu, I hesitate to go against past results (which, in turn, looks very good for the upcoming Ben Cup game on 4/12). So I'm sticking with my TST 3 - RSL 1 prediction, but I wouldn't be at all surprised to see RSL steal a point (or three) in LA. Especially if Jason does the wise thing and keeps Yura firmly planted on the bench.

The keys for RSL:
1) Keep up the good work in the midfield. Rumor has it that Andy Williams will sit in favor of Dema Kovalenko. Bad move. Andy played very well last week (granted, in his usual 45 minute role). I'd like to see Dema in for Talley personally.
2) Can an RSL forward not named Jeff Cunningham find the back of the net? If Deuchar can play target forward as advertised, we could be in for some success. I think if he'd been able to start over Yura last week (of course, being fresh off the plane, he couldn't) that game may not have been in doubt in extra time. Espi looked great last week and we have all seen what Findley can do for RSL, so hopefully RSL can score a goal this week!
3) No more defensive debacles! While most soccer teams seem to be able to survive a defensive lapse here and there, RSL seemingly cannot. Ever. So the boys need to have their heads in the game for the whole 90 PLUS EXTRA TIME. No more getting completely destroyed down the sideline. No more falling all over yourself trying to clear a cross and not getting to it. And no more leaving guys (especially stars) wide open in the 18. If RSL's defense can put together a whole game, we've got a chance.
4) If Atiba plays, bring the smelling salts. We'll probably need them.

And now, for your viewing pleasure, my foreshadowing picture for the week:

Ah yes, Nick Rimando skillfully taming the goats. Well done, Nick!

Finally, for a nice compendium of pre-game stuff, hit up RSLFM, she's got some other match previews and the usual starting lineups. Always nice to have. A+

Real Salt Lake at Chivas TST
Home Depot Center, Carson, CA
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Kickoff at 8:30 PM Mountain
TV: Directkick (sigh, still no local TV games)
Radio: 700 AM with the wonderful Bill Riley
Viewing party at Jersey's Sports Grill (677 S. 200 W., Salt Lake City)

Reserve match Sunday 4/6 @ 11 AM Mountain at the HDC