Correcting defensive errors, finishing top RSL's priorities against Chivas

With another match against Chivas USA looming — that'll be two in the last month, with the final meeting coming at home on the last day of the regular season — Real Salt Lake will be wondering how to correct the problems they saw last Saturday.

It wasn't entirely problematic: Going ahead twice shows good resolve and better ability, even if the finishing wasn't perfect throughout. But the defending — from all areas of the pitch — was lacking. Two crossed balls leading to goals puts pressure on the defense to improve. With Nat Borchers back in the side, that should happen fairly naturally.

That less-than-perfect finishing against Montreal will need some correction, though. The two RSL goals notwithstanding — and one of those was an own-goal — 21 shots, with seven on-target and seven blocke, should produce more. Kyle Beckerman was pointed in calling for better finishing after the match. The struggles were encapsulated by a late, late shot from Joao Plata saved easily by the goalkeeper after he broke free of the defense.

Despite being listed as out in the most recent injury report, striker Alvaro Saborio has been participating in full training this week, as has the other out-listed player, Cole Grossman. Rich Balchan, who underwent successful shoulder repair surgery, naturally missed out on training.

Should Saborio miss out, one would imagine Devon Sandoval would be given another start. Who exactly he would partner with is a bit of a mystery, but that one, too, could be dictated by injury. Joao Plata and Olmes Garcia would seem to be good to go, but Robbie Findley has yet to play since RSL's match against Chivas USA on April 20. Findley's been listed as "questionable," though the answer to the question isn't really known.

All other expected starters seem ready; whether Luis Gil starts or not is a bit of a question after he was rested last week. Whether his ankle is bothering him or not on the day is difficult to say definitively.

Nat Borchers, who has been in full training, is over his little bout of influenza (or flu-like symptoms, as the case may be) and undoubtedly starts. With Kwame Watson-Siriboe out through suspension, Carlos Salcedo will almost certainly travel as a substitute.