Player Ratings: Squad consistency pushes RSL to 4-0 heights against Columbus Crew

Nick Rimando - 6.5 Rimando had a nice shutout but frankly he didn't have to do much on the night. Columbus had only one shot on goal and it was a pretty simple shot to stop. And that was the first time I believe I have seen him kick a ball out of bounds. At the end of the night, however, you can mark another tally on the shutout count for Nick.

Tony Beltran - 7.5 Tony is one of the most consistent players for RSL and that didn't change against the Crew. Beltran is amazingly good with the ball at his feet for a defender and he did really well showcasing those skills.

Nat Borchers - 7 It's a good night when you only allow one shot on goal. The White Rhino along with his CB partner had one of their better nights in preventing much of a threat from the opposition.

Carlos Salcedo - 7 Salcedo bounced back very well from a pretty dismal performance against the Galaxy. He was back to his old ways against the likes of Higuain and Arrieta. Salcedo looked much more experienced than his age shows.

Chris Wingert - 7.5 Wingert did not have the pace of his opponent but positioned himself so well that his opponent was unable to take advantage of his speed. Very good night.

Kyle Beckerman - 8.5 I think it is safe to say that Beckerman's first goal was not fully intended, but on both of his goals he was in the right spot at the right time and that leads to goals (see Wondolowski.) Like Kreis said, Beckerman just got better as the night went on and his work was a big part of the reason that the Crew looked pretty lifeless.

Javier Morales - 7.5 Morales ran the midfield like an orchestra. RSL had so many chances on the night that I thought the Crew were lucky to get out of there being blown out by only 4 goals. And he notched another assist on the night. I think he has a chance to end up leading the league in assists if he continues this sort of play.

Ned Grabavoy - 8 MVP for Real Salt Lake this year? I think it is hard to argue otherwise. Grabavoy looked extremely comfortable and confident against the Crew and his assist to Gil was nothing short of impressive.

Luis Gil - 8 Gil did last night what I have been begging for: He inserted himself in the offense. And it paid off. He had a fantastic finish and created headaches for Columbus away from the goal as well. Somebody needs to sit down with him and see what it takes to get that out of him every game.

Olmes Garcia - 7 Garcia worked his heart out and really deserved a goal but the best chance he had was squandered and he was left wanting. That said, he put a goal on a platter to Sandoval with a perfectly placed assist.

Devon Sandoval - 7.5 Sandoval made good passes and held the ball up really well a la Saborio. He probably could have had at least one more goal if he could have kept the ball down with his headers. I can't complain much about his performance. With time he will be able to do those things consistently.

Substitutes

Robbie Findley - 7 A couple touches got away from him, but nice work from Findley as a substitute. I have almost arrived at the conclusion that Findley and Plata excel off the bench for much the same reasons. They both bring speed late in the game. Against the Crew Findley's run made it possible for Beckerman to score his second goal. That kind of play is what makes Findley valuable to this club. He opens up the game for the RSL offense to click.

Sebastian Velasquez - 7.5 Velasquez deserves plenty of credit for Gil's goal. He got around 2 or 3 defenders to dish it off to Grabavoy in a good spot who then assisted to Gil. I have been wondering why Velasquez doesn't get more playing time when statistically every time he is on the field, RSL scores at a frequent rate. He is a creator pure and simple.

Cole Grossman - 5 Grossman got the reception he deserved for his game-tying goal against Portland, but was unable to do the same against the Crew in such a short time. Not that it is an expectation. I am excited to see what he can do with more significant minutes.