particularly the last two weekends -- just the amount of good chances we've given the other team has dropped drastically from weeks prior to that."
Earning that road match breakthrough will likely come down how well RSL can finish in the final third against Chivas. It proved to be a definite problem against Kansas City, where goalkeeper Kevin Hartman snuffed out one shot after another. Players also struggled to get in position or make the extra pass in the box.
But RSL is not concerned simply because it created plenty of shots on goal and held a distinct advantage in terms of possessing the ball and dictating the attack.
"It would be a problem if we weren't getting the chances and the opportunities we got," forward Robbie Findley said. "But we're not too worried. On another day, we know we'd get a couple of those (to go in)."
Findley thinks the key to scoring in Los Angeles this weekend will come down to focusing in the final third a little more.
The biggest thing Real can take with them to Chivas is increased confidence in their abilities. Scoring issues aside, the RSL side put together one of its finest technical games of the season by keeping up the attack on offense and pressuring the ball on defense.
"To be honest, I think it was one of our better performances all-around," defender Chris Wingert said.
Real could be shorthanded as they try to duplicate such a performance. Andy Williams will be gone as he heads off to rejoin the Jamaican national team for a pair of World Cup qualifiers and fellow midfielder Nate Sturgis is still sidelined with a hamstring injury. Matias Cordoba could slide into Williams' spot on Saturday.
The front line is really banged up with Yura Movsisyan still recovering from knee surgery and Fabian Espíndola doubtful because of a left knee contusion. Kenny Deuchar has struggled with a sore right foot this week, but is expected to go against Chivas.
John Coon is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
