GAMEDAY: Real Salt Lake versus Houston Dynamo
Rice Eccles Stadium: 8:00 PM, ESPN2
INJURY REPORT:
REAL SALT LAKE - OUT: FW Fabian Espíndola (L MCL sprain); MF Nathan
Sturgis (L hamstring strain); MF Brennan Tennelle (L adductor strain); PROBABLE:
FW Yura Movsisyan (R meniscus surgery) …
HOUSTON DYNAMO -OUT: DF Eddie Robinson (R ankle sprain); DOUBTFUL: FW Guy-Roland Kpene (L hip flexor strain); FW James Georgeff (L ankle sprain); PROBABLE:
DF Pat Ianni (R shoulder sprain); MF Richard Mulrooney (R knee swelling)
DF Pat Ianni (R shoulder sprain); MF Richard Mulrooney (R knee swelling)
(Projected lineup and injury report courtesy of RSL Communications)
MLS Preview: Real Salt Lake v. Houston Dynamo -> Goal.com/Pat Walsh
This match will likely be a repeat as Houston’s midfield is better than the Wizards’, and Real will not have Dema Kovalenko’s services thanks to a suspension. However, RSL will not just sit back. Instead, Javier Morales, who leads the league in assists, will look to overcome Houston’s Ricardo Clark in midfield, dribbling into the attack, and playing off of Andy Williams and Robbie Findley. And if Morales gets a chance to serve a set piece in, look out for Kenny Duechar’s head.
Is Cutler the right choice? - DNews Blog/James Edward
Real Salt Lake-Dynamo winner can take West's top spot - Deseret News/James Edward
"Whoever wins the game is at least going to be in first for a couple days, that's something big for us," said RSL midfielder Kyle Beckerman. "It's huge, it could be a six-point swing. We feel it's a good opportunity.
RSL: Team hopes to turn up offense in 2nd half - Salt Lake Tribune/Michael C. Lewis
RSL leads the league by having taken 208 shots, yet only 84 of them have been on frame, and only 18 have resulted in goals. That's the third lowest ratio in the league. And though they admirably held a late lead to beat league-leading (but also shorthanded) New England at home two weeks ago, it has surrendered a league-worst eight goals in the last 15 minutes of games, directly costing it six points in the standings.
Preview: Real Salt Lake vs. Houston Dynamo -> FoxSports.com
Dynamo coach Dominic Kinnear remains confident his club will find a way to finish strong. "Every day, I think you can improve in every area," he said. "And the one thing that I think we need to work on most is just being consistent day in and day out. I think if we can do that, we are going to be in better shape."
