Rapids make their first trip to Sandy and Rio Tinto Stadium. The royal-wannabes will be missing Morales and Beckerman to suspension and possibly Olave after the league gets done reviewing his elbow last night. Pablo will be gone with the National Team. My guess: Pickens Kimura - Ihemelu - Palguta - Harvey LaBrocca Cooke - Ballouchy - Clark Cummings - Casey I think Gibbs may have played his way out of the starting XI with the PK this week. This is a winnable game, and against FSL with the RMC on the line its one we should expect to come home from with the 3 points and the Cup!
I have a feeling we may see Burpo on Saturday. It looked like Pickens aggravated his lower back last night.
I watched the FSL v Earthquakes game and following Beckerman's yellow the stat showed that Morales and Beckerman were both one yellow from suspension. Either way I think we bring the Cup home in a record two games.
My guess.......... Switch Gibbs for Palguta. Not because that's how I think it should be, but because Palguta was subbed off for Cookie in NY. What other options do we have other than sliding Labrocca back into Pablo's spot? Keep Gibbs and Palguta then be thin on subs? and be without Cooke, forget that.
I just got an email that said that Beckerman and Morales ARE suspended and a play from Olaive (sp?sorry) is being reviewed by the league.
I read the post I just wanted clarification sinse I had heard two different reports. Thanks for that. So FSL will be without their two best defenders and their offensive engine? I can't wait.
Wednesday/Thursday time frame. Its somewhat dependent on the league and team';s schedule for the week. With a Thursday and Friday game not involving FSL we'll probably see announcements for any action against players/staff involved in those games earlier than we'll hear about any action against Olave.
With no Beckerman and Morales, this appears to be a very winnable game. Pablo would have played a huge role against Morales, but his absence isn't as critical with no Morales to expoit it.
In the past (three years? 13 years???) a game like this would, on paper, look like a sure win and end up being a truly disappointing loss. I know it's only 1/3 through his first full season but if we win this match consider me a full Smith convert.
yep. So far just the heart of their midfield with Beckerman and Morales out. Then again, without Morales, FSL may not have an offense even at home. http://web.mlsnet.com/stats/discipline.jsp Kyle Beckerman Real Salt Lake Suspension/Fine: 6/6/09 vs. COL, $250 Reason: Caution Accumulation Javier Morales Real Salt Lake Suspension/Fine: 6/6/09 vs. COL, $250 Reason: Caution Accumulation
My appologies Jason. I watched the game again last night and they ddi say that both would miss our game.
In my opinion, and the general opinion of our fans, Morales and Beckerman have been pretty nonexistent this year. So even though they are supposed to be our best players and the heart of our midfield, they haven't been performing like it. So its not going to take much for our backups to fill their shoes. That being said, I still worry about them being out. Expect a completely different line up this weekend. I dont even think Kreis knows what he is going to do yet. Anyone making the trip?
Between 40 and 50 of us are making the trip! As to Beckerman's absence, hasn't Beckerman played in every RMC-winning match? If one employs shaky logic, doesn't that imply that the Rapids will win the Cup if he's not playing for FSL?
Sometimes, this can work in favor of your team. What do you get? Probably a couple of bench guys who are hungry to make an impression and will leave every piece of themselves on the field. Sounds like y'all are down on Beckerman in general, and since the team has had a drop in form, it would stand to reason that so have Beckerman and Morales. Getting some new blood in there may be the tonic, not that I'll be wishing any luck on your subs. Knowing this rivalry, the expected result is usually not what actually happens (at least in those September/October matches) so I expect this game is going to be a tight affair, with a defensive miscue probably deciding the match.
Anybody care to join the group last minute? Frontier is offering a weekend web fare to SLC of only $44 each way!
I think it would mean that no one wins. The cup gods (who happen to be Rastafarian) are going to take their trophy and go home. I think you may be right. We have a few people that can fill in these spots nicely. Ned Grab-a-boy - played great against DC, motm in my opinion Andy Williams - generally quality Robbie Russel - can play any position on the field, smart, has been solid this year Cox - Our fast new guy. Relatively untested, but has shown potential. It will be interesting to see what Kreis decides to do. There will probably be bitching coming from our fans no matter what. Those of you lucky enough to come out are in for a treat! Utahs own American Idol, David Archuleta, will be performing songs from his upcoming album after the game! I'll be drinking beer in the parking lot if anyone wants to join.
Beckerman was subbed out around the 75th minute of the first ever RMC game. Since then he's played every minute of every RMC game, until Saturday. He's also been on the winning side all 4 years of the RMC.
One of two streaks are guaranteed to end this year, barring a trade of Beckerman back to the Rapids. Beckerman has won the Cup every year The Cup has always been presented to the visiting team
HA! As if we Rapids fans needed any more reasons to avoid Utah. I'll join you in spirit on the beer thing though.