Saturday night's Real Salt Lake performance was, quite simply, a meltdown. It was a start that reminded you of RSL of old. This is not the same old RSL, but Saturday night, you would never have been able to tell. You can't ever really show how good you are when you spot the other team a one goal lead, at their place, especially 28 seconds after kickoff.
Mistakes were made very early in the game, and because of that, RSL never really had a chance. Defensive lapses led to a two-goal deficit inside of nine minutes into the game. The fact that RSL played fairly well for most of the rest of the half was immaterial. The fact that they had the ball for the majority of the first half really doesn't tell the story.
When a team has a two-goal lead nine minutes into the game, the mindset of both teams becomes drastically different, and it showed. Chivas knew that they were in control of the game, and as a result, they abandoned the high pressure defensive system that stifled RSL in the season opener last year. I'm sure that they came into the game thinking that they would pressure RSL in their end of the field. Well, with the unexpected early gifts, they had no need to pressure, and therefore played a very patient waiting game. Waiting for RSL to come forward and leave exploitable gaps in their defense.
RSL, on the other hand, had to abandon their pregame plan once they gave up the second goal. After giving up the first goal thirty second in, the mindset should have been that they still had eighty nine minutes, and should therefore just continue to play as if the score was still 0-0.
Eight minutes later, when they found themselves down by two goals however, the mindset had to be adjusted. RSL enjoyed a lot of possession, which is a function of both desperation, and Chivas allowing them more space in front of their team. They started to attack with more urgency, which is good. The flip side of that is that with more urgent attack, a team's defensive shape is likely to suffer, and that is what Chivas was patiently awaiting.
The point is that once goals are scored and the score is lopsided early in the game, what the fans are likely to see is not a true reflection of how both teams really play. In short, once RSL had virtually given away two goals, they never had the ability to display the fact that they are a better team this year than last.
It is a shame, because RSL is a more competent team than last year's edition. They are stronger in the midfield. Ballouchy being an improved player, and the addition of Kreis behind the attacking midfield allows more possession on more occasions than the team has ever previously displayed.
While the midfield is stronger, there are still areas of concern that remain. I have stated previously that I am a fan of Nick Rimando, who is capable of unbelievably athletic saves. The questions being asked of Rimando at the moment however are about his decision-making. I think with more games with this team, that process will steadily improve. Remember, he has not played a great deal in the past year, and it has shown in a few adventurous decisions that he has made so far this season. I know that by the end of the year, he will be rock solid. RSL is hoping that they have not dug themselves a hole by the time that happens.
There are still questions about the defenders as well. Eddie Pope remains steady, as one would expect. The rest of the defenders are quite inexperienced, and that showed on Saturday night.
I actually thought that the young right back Lancos had a good game for the most part, and his substitution was more because of circumstances rather than his play. I also want to point out that I am one who firmly believes that one has to look at whole teams, rather than individual parts. So it would stand to reason that I should talk about team defending, rather than individuals. The fact remains, however, that within the team defending structure, each player has a role that has to be fulfilled. If players do not take care of their individual tasks, then the greatest team shape and organization is nullified.
I again reiterate that this RSL squad is better than last year's team, and they started the year off with great confidence. Will they be able to get off the mark sooner than they did last year? The goal, in no uncertain terms, has been stated as, "Playoffs or bust."
Well to get to that point, they need to reclaim that confidence that we saw in the opening game domination of FC Dallas. They have to play with that sort of confidence, AND get results. If or when they do that, they will be well on their way to their goals.
In the face of their results so far this year, it would be easy to start losing belief. The mentality of the veterans was tested last year, and I'm sure they don't want to go through that again. While they have shown that they are capable of fighting back, RSL also knows that clawing one's way out of poor early-season results is the most difficult of routes to the playoffs.
Robin Fraser, a five-time MLS Best XI selection and two-time MLS Defender of the Year, ended his 10-year MLS career and 16-year professional career after the 2005 season as a member of the Columbus Crew, and now continues his second season with RSL as the team's color television analyst on KSL and FSN Utah. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Fraser amassed 27 caps for the U.S. National Team and was drafted fourth overall by the Los Angeles Galaxy in the inaugural MLS draft.
Comments? E-mail Robin and the entire RSL broadcast crew at fun@realsaltlake.com, and your e-mail could be featured in the Computech "Fan Feedback" feature on all RSL on KSL and FSN Utah broadcasts, as well as on KALL 700 AM.
