Real Salt Lake at New England Revolution - Match Recap

Well I expected a few surprise starters but Jason is clearly resting some guys tonight, which means we will likely see a top lineup on Wednesday.

RSL Starting XI:  Kyle Reynish, Robbie Russell, Chris Schuler, Rauwshan McKenzie, Tony Beltran, Jean Alexandre, Ned Grabavoy, Will Johnson,  Collen Warner, Paulo Jr., Arturo Alvarez.

Bench: Javier Morales, Nick Rimando, Nat Borchers, Andy Williams, Kyle Beckerman, Luis Gil, Fabian Espindola.

New England Starting XI: Shuttleworth, Alston, Coria, Cochrane, Domi, McCarthy, Joseph, Phelan, Mansally, Perovic, Schilawski

Bench: Tierney, Stolica, Dube, Nyassi, Barnes, Boggs, Murray

I will try to do a couple match updates, you can check those out after the jump:

Well if the RSL starting lineup didn't surprise you, then you aren't paying attention.  Clearly Jason is really giving some guys a shot and I would bet that resting guys tonight means we will see a full strength lineup on Wednesday night, when Colorado comes to town.

Well early on RSL looks the more aggressive team, and considering the lineup, not sure if this speaks more to the depth of RSL or the fact that New England is still getting adjusted to new players and a bit worn from their Wednesday night match at Vancouver and travel back home.  This match may be more fun and exciting than some people expects..

10-20

RSL playing well considering that this lineup has little time together, really good to see as they look to be really dictating the match at this point.  A couple of chances for RSL but nothing too good until the Will Johnson free kick that forces a big time save from Shuttleworth.  Still I think on the road and in the first 20 minutes has been the better team.

20-30

After a great shot by Ned Grabavoy, it is Chris Schuler who finds the back of the net for RSL in the 27th minute and gives RSL the 1-0 lead at New England.  Interesting stat that the team that scores first hasn't lost yet in a MLS match this year.  Hopefully RSL can keep that up and get the 3 points on the road.  Oh and yes, yes we are really this deep that we can start 6 guys with just 22 prior MLS starts and still have a damn good team on the pitch.

30-45

RSL get a very dangerous free kick from 5 yards outside of the area, but Ned's ball is a bit too high and nobody can get to it, but RSL even with a lineup of guys without much experience are looking really good against a undefeated New England side. Still very early but I have to say that I like what I am seeing and honestly I am not surprised, RSL really is 20 players deep and anyone watching this match is going to know that.

Yellow card for Jean Alexandre, don't be surprised if Kyle comes in for him at the half to avoid going down a man.  

New England is starting to play better as the first half starts to come to an end, they are still really limited to playing long balls as RSL is owning most of the possession.  I am surprised how well both McKenzie and Schuler are doing together on the back line, really solid so far.  New England will get a good look from a free kick in the 44th minute, about 12 yards outside of the area, kinda bummed that there is no paint from the official.  Wow that was an awful free kick, as RSL can count themselves lucky on that one. I am really happy how RSL has done in this first half, not perfect but a good half for a lot of young guys.

45-55

Wow, I make it back in the door as the second half kicks off and before I even have my jacket off it is Paulo Jr making a huge run and gets the goal to put RSL up 2-0 in the 48th minute of the match.  Yes, this team is for real no matter who you put on the pitch.  People really do doubt when we talk about 20 deep, but I doubt that many people will question it any more.

55-65

With a 2 goal lead it will be interesting to see how the RSL lineup will react to being ahead on the road, it is easy to run on the emotion in the first half and shock the opponent but now to protect the lead and still try to control the match will be a huge test for some young guys to prove that they know how to keep their cool. The team is doing good keeping up the pressure and doing a good job on closing down the New England attack, and perhaps the best news of the night.

RSL owner Dave Checketts says that RSL will be taking the US Open Cup very seriously as they see it as the easiest way back to the CONCACAF Champions League, yes ladies and gentlemen that only means that my desire to win the Quad.  And of course now New England is getting dirty, Kevin Alston you are a punk, and you deserve the broken nose.  Can't wait for you to come out to Rio Tinto, cause you will hear from our fans.

Kyle Beckerman in for Jean Alexandre, a move I thought would be made at the half but Jean got back out there and played in control and now Kyle can get some minutes.  RSL also now has a great chance with a free kick just 10 yards out, but Alvarez misses by less than a foot.  Oh my another guy who is dangerous from set pieces, man I love our team.

65-75

A nice save by Reynish who has been rock solid in goal tonight, and proving again that when we need him that he is more than up to the task of playing at the top level.  Red Card to Joseph as he gets in the face of Kyle Beckerman, it is clear that the Rev's players are simply embarrassed that they are getting taken to task by a RSL lineup that they have to believe they would be able to dominate.  Have to wonder if Sharlie simply wanted to get off the pitch and out of the stadium early tonight.  This one is getting really chippy, wanna bet we may see another red before it is all done.

75-85

With a man advantage RSL is now camped out down in the New England half of the pitch for huge amounts of time, and this is going to be a real statement to the rest of MLS about what RSL is all about this year.  I am actually having a hard time watching the match as it simply looks too easy for the guys that RSL has out on the pitch.  I wonder if Luis Gil will get a couple minutes here at the end?  Hoping maybe the final 10 minutes, it would be good for him. Warner has been great getting two assists out there tonight (OK the online stats say 1 assist, but I say 2).  Wow that worked out well, just as I typed it, it happened.

85-final

Wow this one has broken down as Phelan joins Joseph with a stupid red card, trying to take Robbie Russell out, I am sorry but I know can't wait for the 4th of July for another reason beyond the retirement of Jason's jersey.  How the hell does Will Johnson get a red card?  I am sorry but if that isn't revoked by the MLS, then I think it is simply another example of the league not defending its players.

OK, this one is over as Real Salt Lake with a lineup that included 6 players with a total of 22 prior MLS starts go to New England and they leave with a 2-0 win and as the only undefeated team left in Major League Soccer.  On Wednesday night they will host Colorado Rapids, everyone should be rested and it looks like Colorado may be without Pablo and Casey due to injuries.  Oh my this could be a very fun year for RSL as you can laugh but this is the team with the best chance ever to win #TheQuad.