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Match Preview: RSL takes on NYRB for first Desert Diamond Cup match

Real Salt Lake faces New York Red Bulls in the first Desert Diamond Cup match tomorrow in Tucson, Ariz. It's also the first RSL match of 2013 to be streamed, and as usual, we'll have build-up, thoughts, and response right here.

By Matt Montgomery
Photo courtesy of LA Galaxy

What to expect

Expect to see a Real Salt Lake side that's not built to win matches yet, and expect wholesale changes around the 60-minute mark as Jason Kreis's side looks to gain match fitness. Don't expect to see much from Alvaro Saborio (if anything), as he's likely to be rested a bit after a media tour and a string of international matches.

Lineup Prediction

Lineup predictions are nearly useless with preseason matches — we'll undoubtedly see a whole slew of players out there tomorrow — but it's worth touching on regardless.

These are difficult predictions to make because they don't necessarily reflect what the coaching staff is setting out to do — for instance, I've failed in finding a spot for Khari Stephenson, but I bet he'll play; I have no clue if Tony Beltran is ready for minutes yet, I've thrown in trialist Nickardo Blake at right back (I think that's his favored position) — and none of that may come off. I've also kept Robbie Findley out as he regains fitness.

First half: Nick Rimando; Lovel Palmer, Chris Schuler, Kwame Watson-Siriboe, Kenny Mansally; Kyle Beckerman, John Stertzer, Ned Grabavoy, Sebastian Velasquez; Joao Plata, Devon Sandoval

Second half (60' or so): Jeff Attinella; Nickardo Blake, Carlos Salcedo, Aaron Maund, Tony Beltran; Yordany Alvarez, Cole Grossman, Enzo Martinez, David Viana; Benji Lopez, Alvaro Saborio

Preseason so far

Jan. 28: 2-0 loss to Denmark U-20s

Feb. 4: 2-0 loss to UC Irvine

Feb. 8: 1-0 win over LA Galaxy

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