Kreis confident in squad depth ahead of LA Galaxy match

With Chris Schuler still injured, Carlos Salcedo and Kwame Watson-Siriboe are in contention for the spot partnering center back Nat Borchers. Their performances in 2013 have given Jason Kreis relief from some worries about squad depth.

"Both of those guys (Salcedo, Watson-Siriboe) have played extremely well," Kreis said. "We're fortunate right now that we've got so many players — not just in that position but in every position on the field — that have played meaningful matches for us."

"Now, it's not a question of being concerned or worried about what performance anybody's going to give you," he said. "You expect them to give you what they're capable of. They've all been showing it."

That depth will necessarily be utilized on Saturday, with Schuler not the only player absent. Alvaro Saborio, Luis Gil and Abdoulie Mansally are all away on international duty, with Saborio and Gil necessitating replacements for the match.

A continued pairing of Joao Plata and Robbie Findley seems the most likely option up top, while Sebastian Velasquez and Khari Stephenson both present upsides and downsides as starters.

Squad depth being what it is, some players have found it difficult to earn minutes. Notably, David Viana and Enzo Martinez are both yet to make an appearance in 2013, and Martinez is still waiting to make his first-team debut.

In order to get on the pitch, they'll have to perform when opportunities are presented, Kreis said.

"They're going to have to perform on a consistent basis," he said. "They're going to have to show up in the reserve games and show that they're ready to take the next step and get first-team minutes. I don't give opportunities, I don't give chances. People earn them."