Messaggioda Bobas » 07/10/2006 - 12:33
Dal sito della MLS:
Real Salt Lake enter this tie, the penultimate game of the season, facing the reality that it could be their last home game of the season. The team sits two points behind the Colorado Rapids for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference standings and Real have two games to make up the gap. Things are out of Real’s hands, though, which, as silly as it sounds, may take some of the pressure off the team.
Saturday’s opponent is the Houston Dynamo, who last weekend clinched playoff qualification with a late 1-0 win over D.C. United. Brian Ching scored a magnificent bicycle kick goal for the winner. But Dynamo still have plenty to play for, which could be Real’s undoing. It’s mathematically possible for the Texas club to win the West and clinch home field advantage for the playoffs. They would need to make up five points on state rivals FC Dallas over the final two games of the season, but, yes, I’m saying there’s a chance. More realistically, however, Dynamo are set up to maintain their position as second-best, which would guarantee them home field advantage for the first round of the playoffs. Add in the possibility that Dynamo have the opportunity possibly to keep RSL out of the post-season, and there is plenty intrigue surrounding this game.
RSL will be forced to attack, and they look set to do so with Jeff Cunningham, the league’s top scorer, and rookie Atiba Harris partnered up top. Harris notched two goals last week in a 3-3 draw. Veteran striker Jason Kreis will pull strings from midfield, giving Real a potent lineup. Houston, meantime, will have to defend without one of their top defenders, Eddie Robinson. The combative defender is suspended for accumulation of yellow cards, and Kelly Gray could be selected by coach Dominic Kinnear in his place.
Real and Houston have met three times already in the regular season. Houston won the first two matches, both of which were played at Robertson Stadium. The last time these teams met was August 19, and RSL sent Houston home with a 3-1 hiding. Houston still have plenty to play for, but most important will be to avoid any unnecessary injuries and suspensions. Dynamo probably will be content to sit back and take their chances counter-attacking. The onus will be on RSL to get forward and attack, and I believe they will do so successfully.
Goal.com Prediction: Real Salt Lake 2, Houston Dynamo 0
Dai un pesce a un uomo e lo nutrirai per un giorno. Insegnagli a pescare e lo nutrirai per tutta la vita.
Nietzsche:
«Io amo gli uomini che cadono, se non altro perché sono quelli che attraversano.»
