Olave, Espindola in doubt for Tuesday match against Herediano

With Real Salt Lake set to take on Herediano on Tuesday, Jason Kreis is being forced into a challenging spot following injuries to Fabian Espindola and Jamison Olave and the yellow card suspension of Alvaro Saborio.

Either a 1-0 win or a win by two or more goals against Herediano would see RSL move forward in CONCACAF Champions League action; anything else would see them second-placed in the three-team group stage.

Saborio's absence, the result of a yellow card against Tauro in the previous group stage match, leaves the team without its leading goalscorer.

RSL coach Jason Kreis said he is concerned about the potential impact of Saborio's absence.

"It concerns us a little bit, of course," Kreis said. "He's scored so many important goals for us this year, he's scored so many important goals for us in CONCACAF over the past several years. He's a key figure for our team. We will miss him, but we will have other players out there who we will expect to be able to step up."

With Saborio out, exactly who may start up front is in doubt: Argentine striker Fabian Espindola walked out of Sunday's training after an evaluation. Kreis described him as "50-50" for Tuesday.

"It's very concerning," he said. "He came back from Seattle very sore in several different places on his body, so we're being very cautious right now. Hopefully, he will be in training tomorrow and available for consideration come Tuesday."

Jamison Olave, too, is doubtful after coming off at halftime against Seattle. He didn't participate in training on Saturday or Sunday.

RSL defender Nat Borchers isn't sure yet who will partner with him at center back, but he's confident in the ability of those who may replace Olave.

"I've been very comfortable with the personnel we've had," Borchers said. "Schuler coming in, he's been really good. Kwame playing there has been very good, and Olave's obviously very good. I feel fortunate to have very solid center backs to rely on when we have big games like this."