Quote:
Originally Posted by SLCMoosy
Who would've thought we'd be at the top of the table by August? This year started out scary and has turned out to be pretty damn awesome (the last 3 games aside...). I'm nervous for the Open Cup semi on Wed but somewhat confident since we finally have everybody back (is Salcedo still out?).
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Yea, crazy to think that RSL during what was a rebuilding year is still at the top of the table ( even after these three weeks of going LLD. )
Here are some fun by the numbers facts about RSL.
1. score 1.65 per game
2. Goals for 38
3. Goals allowed 26
4. 12 goal difference ( best in MLS so far )
5. 26 of the 30 players on the roster have started this season for the team
6. Road goals 20 vs 18 home goals. ( RSL is scoring more on the road. )
7. Javier Morales, Olmes Garcia, Ned Grabavoy, Robbie Findley and Álvaro Saborío have each scored at least 5 goals this year so far.
I believe RSL is the deepest team in all of MLS..................however, here it comes............Real Salt Lake has been what I think is one of if not the best team in MLS since winning the cup in 2009. The issues is.........while they can have a amazing season and finish 2nd or 3rd in the west now year after year, RSL has a long record of choking during those games that matter most.
More numbers, these one's are not good news.
Home matches
Vs Redbulls 2008 Playoffs
Vs FC Dallas 2010 Playoffs
Vs Monterrey 2010-11 CCL Championship
Vs C.S. Herediano 2012-13 CCL group Stage
Vs Sounders 2012 Playoffs
5 big games with a total goals scored of........wait for it..........1 goal.
1?
Yep.
Point is during those biggest games that RSL had everything going for them and got to play at home with 20,000+ fans backing them up they have failed to win those games. RSL for me has become a "choke team".
I'm hoping that with the trades and adding new younger blood this year we will see a change and so far it looks like RSL has become a powerhouse with our forwards and midfielders attacking in wave after wave after wave. Now if our defense can get back into top form and we keep seeing raining of goals then yes, I believe 2013 could finally be a trophy year for RSL.
Their best shot is the open cup and once again RSL has everything going for them with having all these games at home. But once again they will face a big game at home where.....in the past have failed. We'll see.