Historic Hat-Trick

 

Robbie Findley Nets Three in Victory Over Champs

Real Salt Lake enjoyed a magical night tonight with a 4-1 win against the Columbus Crew. The Man of the Match was clearly Robbie Findley who recorded his first professional hat-trick, and Real Salt Lake's first league hat-trick (althought coach Jason Kreis did have a hat-trick in an Open Cup match).

Robbie Findley seemed extremely excited over the 3-goal output that he was able to manage. In 2 of the last 4 matches that I have witnessed Robbie play in he has dominated the action - tonight and then against Charleston a couple of weeks back. Let's hope this activity and quality of play continues.

Several other players had good matches:

Movsisyan: good work on the pitch tonight but he failed to finish one of his several chances. He also supplied some good balls to his teammates, including an assist to Findley on a goal, already equaling his assist count from last season.

Mathis: as Kreis mentioned, Mathis has been good on the ball in both matches. He had 2 assists in this match, and he is very underrated in his ability to pressure the ball and cause opponents to give up possession.

Johnson: That first blast at the goal which resulted in a rebound and eventually the opening goal at the 2nd minute mark was amazing. It was 25 yards out, but Will told me that he likes to take those kind of free kicks and he talked Javi off the ball just prior to the kick. Look for more of this from distance in the future.

Beltran: Okay so it wasn't stellar, but this position was my biggest concern coming into the match, especially when I saw Rogers in the Starting XI for the Crew. I thought Beltran had a decent outing and did reasonably well against Schelotto. Not spectacular but headed in the right direction.

Borchers: Phenomenal match. He helped avert so many "almosts" on the part of the Crew that I lost count.

The crowd was a mixture of disappointment and admiration.

Disappointment - because of their sparse numbers. 11,806 was the announced crowd which is based on paid tickets, but the real number in attendance was likely several thousand less than that. While there were several reasons for this low attendance, you would hope that the support for the club would be strong enough to drive people into the seats even under adverse circumstances.

Admiration - because there were alot of reasons to stay home, but a solid core chose to attend anyway. And the crowd was surprisingly vocal despite their small numbers (of course it's easier to be vocal when your club leads start-to-finish). In addition, this crew largely remained even after a heavy rain began to come down during the last 10 minutes of the match when the team enjoyed a 3-goal lead.

Keep in mind that the Crew did have a depleted lineup and were facing a situation of looking ahead to the Chivas game on Sunday as well. We should avoid getting ahead of ourselves as to what this means for future weeks, but if nothing else I think Kreis was likely right when he said how "important it was for us to score early on, and especially to have Findley score the goal." This should boost his confidence dramatically.

What are your thoughts on tonight's match?

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Training Camp Updates

Here is an update from training camp. I wanted to especially focus on how the roster looks to be sitting with the impending contract/budget compliance date coming up for the league on Monday. I will also post something later on that analyzes how I think the roster will look come March 28th.

GENERAL

The team is looking good. It appears that at this point the focus has been on the same diamond 4-4-2 formation that we saw last season. The returning players appear to be very comfortable in these roles. There is more of a focus on wing-backs with Beltran, Joy and Wingert filling in out wide. Speaking of Beltran - one observation is that he is vastly improved. Look for him to be a contributor this season.


ROOKIES

Cox - I heard some comparisons to Tony Beltran from a season ago. A quick player that can play left-back or left-wing. Has a good soccer knowledge, and a high confidence level. Seems to be adjusting well to the pro level, although there is definitely still a learning curve. He's more of an attacking player than Beltran, but look for him to make the roster.

Alexandre - No updates on him, but since he is already signed by the league, he's a lock to make the roster.


TRIALISTS

Escalada - As reported earlier, his fitness is improving. The team reportedly likes his finishing ability (despite the missed PK). Look for him to move on in the game of Real Salt Lake Survivor and stick with the team through the Charleston Tournament.

St. Preux - Again a marginal, developmental player. I'm guessing it's a long-shot that he'll make the team, especially if the team is high on Escalada. If he makes the Charleston roster it will be a minor surprise.

Salazar - Appears to be an average player, but he is a left-sided guy. As of now, Will is likely the starter at this position, and the team would ideally like to see him playing on the right. The team would also like to add a true wide player to go along with Will's tremendous enjoy and Javi's technical ability. If Salazar makes the team, it's likely just to add depth and it may be a temporary move which brings us to...

El Khalifi - As reported yesterday, the team is still active in negotiations with him. I assumed that there was a big rush to get him in for the last few weeks of pre-season. I'm sure they'd like to do this, but also don't write-off the possibility of him joining at a later stage (either prior to the April 15th window close or even during the summer window). I think the bringing in of a left-sided midfielder in Salazar is an indication that the team is looking for an insurance policy at this position.

Clark - No update on this player (as keepers tend to be off in their own little world during practice), but I think we'll know all we need to know by next Wednesday. I would be surprised to see the team take 4 keepers to Charleston.


INJURIES

Morales- has a minor injury, and is being held out largely for precautionary measures. Unknown at this point if he will play in the exhibition tomorrow.

Nunez - recovering from surgery.

Borchers/Russell - Both appear to be back at around 90%, and are participating fully in practice.

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A Real World Review: Monday June 30, 2008

A Real World Review

A Review of Week 15 for RSL

By Paul Bernhardt (aka, BalanceUT)

Key Developments: RSL continues to struggle on the road with the loss in KC. Fortunately, the performance of other Western Conference teams allowed RSL to maintain their 2nd place position in the conference. Now at the halfway point of the season, the team at 19 points means they are just shy of the points typically needed to make the playoffs.

What’s Right in the Real World: Defense. Even though giving up a goal due to an error in judgment Saturday night in KC, the 2008 edition of RSL has the overall best defense in franchise history. The center tandem of Olave and Borchers may be the best pair in the league. Wingert has shaken off some early season jitters to play solidly. Beltran is clearly a rookie, but has high skills and sufficient speed for recovery such that he does not cause the high level of worry of previous outside backs. Compared to previous seasons, this past couple of months is the first time that we could count on seeing the same four consistently in the back and know that they will serve the needs of the upcoming match.

The midfield is also right in the Real World. While it was not terribly obvious in KC, Morales, Williams, Kovalenko and Beckerman fundamentally do what is asked. What makes RSL’s midfield not look to be high quality, particularly at home and at KC is narrow pitches. A narrow pitch crowds players such that the space for passing is restricted, leading to less of an apparent flow. The proof for me, however, is in the fact that KC looked essentially as restricted. That means our crew was doing as much to them as they were to us. Play that is essentially a draw when on the road is what you need for your team and the midfield provided that.

What’s Wrong in the Real World? Still, finishing. While not the horror of missed opportunities that we saw hosting San Jose last week, RSL blew some clear chances, any one of which could have made KC work for a draw or even resulted in stealing 3 points. Notably, Dr. “Goals” did not produce again. This has been blamed on lack of service from the midfield. But, I think that is misplaced blame. I believe that Deuchar is not getting open in positions where the midfielders want to give him the ball. He is fighting constantly in the box and often losing that battle. That continued in the KC game. Deuchar would get the ball either too far out from the goal and alone with no options but to try to work the ball with his feet, a disastrous choice. He is called for fouls all the time while fouls against him seem never called. Findley seemed to be still suffering from the effects of his mild concussion from the week before. The lack of production of Deuchar and Findley, appropriately, lead to their being substituted off in favor of Movsisyan and Nunez, who did no better. Part of that is Movsisyan’s inability to keep his head up and pass to others. When, oh when, will Espindola return? And, when he does, will he be the same player he was so many months ago?

A certain amount of the problem for RSL in KC was due to the coin flip. When the coin flip allowed KC to put the sun in Rimando’s eyes, RSL had to play a very defensive first half. Many times all 11 were in RSL’s end of the field. Kreis likes to have RSL come out attacking, but it was clearly not an option in the match. When KC came out the second half very aggressive, RSL did not adjust well and it was a dicey start to the half.

In the end, what scuttled RSL’s road point was a careless foul by Cutler. Sometimes it seems that Cutler’s role is ill-defined. Defensive, yet carries himself to the attack very easily. This sounds like Beckerman, but Cutler does not have Beckerman’s talent level. So, Cutler, in trying to recover going back, fouled and that set up the opportunity for KC.

Leading to the last thing wrong in the Real World: Best seen in the contrast to KC’s scoring opportunity, RSL needs to be much more dangerous on set pieces. Usually Morales is quite good, certainly better than Williams ever was in previous seasons (and I am a pretty big Williams fan). But, against KC, he was off the mark. RSL needed to convert one of its several set pieces (and nearly did, but close does not count).

A Brief Look at the Week Ahead: Back in the friendly confinement of Rice Eccles, RSL will need to take advantage of the home field against a resurgent Houston Dynamo. Houston started the season terribly shaky, particularly compared to expectations. But they have recovered substantially and is a good road team, having the highest number of road draws of any MLS team. RSL and Houston are tied for 2nd in the West. This is the opportunity for RSL to make a statement that they intend to contend for a playoff spot. History says that RSL should be content with a draw against the two-time defending MLS Champions. But, given that RSL’s form at home, a defense that is very good and Houston’s problems with finishing, this game is RSL’s to take. I predict RSL 1-0 Houston.

Final Thoughts: RSL is really in pretty good shape, particularly compared to previous seasons. Kreis has completed what he initiated last season, shoring up the defense. The first step to winning in soccer is to stop losing, to stop giving up easy goals. RSL’s defense is clearly solid, and Olave is spectacular. This allows the rest of the team to go forward. I think RSL has all the pieces to be a playoff team, but Deuchar is the key. If he can ever get a proper feel for the MLS game, he will become quite dangerous. He still seems to be knocked around in the box with impunity, yet when he returns the favor he is called on the fouls. Unfair or not, he has to figure out what to do to become effective in MLS. When he does, and he shows he can convert the chances, the team will find it easier to get the ball to him, opening up options for other players. RSL can become a team that opponents dread coming to town and fear to visit, because all the rest of the team is sufficient. RSL can be playoff bound with only a little improvement in offense.

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Accountability

During the offseason, we heard Jason Kreis and Garth Lagerway pontificate that the team was trying to build a "culture of accountability". In fact part of the justification for bringing in Borchers and Kovalenko was that they were veteran players who would get in the face of the younger players and force them to be accountable. Well where is this accountability?

Who is being held accountable for the personnel?: Matias Cordoba was touted as our most important offseason acquisition. We were promised that Kenny Deuchar was going to score goals. Ian Joy was supposed to be a solid left back who would contribute on the offensive side as well. Our midfield was touted as very deep.

Who is being held accountable for the tactical decisions?: In my book tactical decisions have led to at least 2 and possibly 3 of our road losses. First, the debacle in Toronto which Kreis did own up to. Second, some questionable tactics and personnel against Colorado. Would we have still lost this one? Maybe. Finally the decision tonight to take out a very effective Olave and bring in Mantilla who has shown that he poorly marks opponents in the box, and does not have proper positioning. Meanwhile he does not make a change in the midfield where we have 3 exhausted players: Williams, Morales, and Beckerman. This led us to go from a 1 goal advantage with about 15 minutes left to a 2-1 loss. There is also the acknowledged tactical problem against Dallas at home which was not corrected until late in the first half. Fortunately that did not cost us. Where is the accountability?

How are the players being held accountable?: Dr. Goals: a supposed proven scorer who has not proven that he can score for us. Yet we trot him out there week after week. Is that holding him accountable? Ian Joy has been completely dreadful this season and his red card nearly cost us early on in this one tonight. Yet he gets opportunity after opportunity. Is that accountability? Mantilla was out of position on both goals scored tonight, marking absolutely nobody. Yet he keeps getting an opportunity. Where is the accountability?

When criticism was fired at the club for not demanding the playoffs, I was quick to their defense. When calls were made to fire Kreis last season and then again in the offseason, I was quick to the defense. When criticism was made that for all of the changes to the roster, we still weren't much better than in the past, I was in favor of letting these players prove themselves. When Garth Lagerway was counseling that we need to be patient in the first part of the season as the team needs "time to gel", I was willing to be patient. In fact, if you ask anyone who knows me they will tell you my greatest strength is patience. But patience needs to be balanced with courage. And now is the time to have courage. Now is the time to show that "the culture of accountability" wasn't just lip service. This applies to Checketts, Manning, Lagerway, Kreis and every player.

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Daily Update: Wednesday May 14, 2008

Real Salt Lake: Talley trade will benefit him, RSL, young players -> Deseret News/James Edward
RSL's coach is obviously most concerned about his club, which is why he said, "it was not a decision to make us better right now but in the long term it was a good decision for this club."

East Valley briefs: MLS club to field Arizona boys team -> East Valley Tribune
RSL-Arizona will consist of players born in 1991 or after. Open tryouts will be at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the Grand Canyon University soccer fields, located at 3300 W. Camelback Road in Phoenix. Final, invitation-only tryouts will follow at 8 a.m. Sunday. The final squad of 25 players will be announced on Real Salt Lake’s official Web site, www.RealSaltLake.com on Monday.

Rocky Mountain Cup rivalry renewed - MLSnet

Nat Borchers Returns to Denver with Real Salt Lake -> University of Denver website
“I am very excited to come back to Colorado to play,” Borchers said. “Growing up in Pueblo, playing college soccer at DU and spending time professionally here after school makes this a great homecoming. The opportunity to play in front of family and friends and in the new Dick’s Sporting Goods Park is tremendous.”

Monday Morning Gaffer: FC Dallas vs Real Salt Lake ->3rd Degree/Buzz Carrick
RSL plays like the old Burn teams, moving the ball around the mid field to switch the point of attack. They keep the shape solid, look for a holes, and then go forward. Not a shock given who their coach is. They have the makings of a solid team. Some day, just as with Oscar Pareja, I want Jason Kreis to coach FC Dallas.

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Practice at Rice-Eccles: Friday May 9, 2008

A couple of us made it to today’s practice at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Here are a few observations:

• There was a new player participating. He has some good height. He appeared to be at least as tall as Borchers. Looked like they were trying him at outside back. I am pretty sure he is a foreigner, possibly from somewhere in Africa, but that is based on nothing other than my own questionable speculation. We didn’t really see enough to establish any kind of opinion, but he didn’t appear to be very nervous.


• Talley and Joy were no where to be seen. Sturgis and Nimo jogged around the field.


• After some basic warm-ups the players were divided into three teams of eight players each. Some members of the coaching staff were involved. They ran what at first appeared to be a somewhat complicated drill that might be difficult to describe. The area they played in had two smaller areas at each end and a dead zone in the middle. One team of eight players would begin making short passes within one of the small areas. Four players from another team would run in from the dead zone and begin trying to take the ball away. The remaining four players from that team stayed in the dead zone. After a given number of successful passes, I believe it was seven, they would attempt to cross it over the dead zone to the third team whose eight players were waiting in the other small area. If, instead, they were dispossessed they would have to immediately run to the other small area to prevent that team from completing seven consecutive passes. There was no doubt that the players were into it. There were a number of small, semi-lighthearted arguments over this and that which reminded me of the one sided view that players, coaches and fans always take during an actual match. Dema seemed to be somehow involved in most of these. It is really hard not to like him. I have no idea what rewards there are for these type of drills outside of making a case for playing time, but there was no lack of motivation at all.


• They followed this up with a 9v9 half-field scrimmage with three teams again. Williams is looking very good right now. Findley still does not look sharp. Horst is very vocal, especially for a rookie, and appears to be coming along well. Kevin Reiman looked good working the ball down the flanks with his quick feet. Robin Fraser participated and missed a couple of open shots on goal. The rest of the coaching staff were happy to give him a hard time.


• They finished up with some work on, what else, finishing. Cordoba looked especially good here today.


• The overall mood of the practice was intense and competitive, yet somehow laid-back at the same time. It is encouraging to see the way this team practices. Can they start to translate this into results in the near future?

Update

Just received some new information:

The outside back seen at practice today is a trialist named Yombe Williams, who was a teammate of David Horst's at Old Dominion and was drafted by Kansas City in the most recent SuperDraft. His look with RSL is independent of the Talley deal, and Garth/Jason will be looking at several options for the open roster spot.

Ian Joy did rest today because of the bone spur, but RSL hopes he will be back out there next week.

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A Real World Review: May 5, 2008

A Real World Review

A Review of Week 6 for RSL

(Courtesy of Jeremy Horton, aka "I Believe in Kreis")

This Weeks Results: 4-0 Win over San Jose (Open Cup), 2-2 Draw with LAG
Record: 1-3-2
Points: 5

Key Developments: RSL plays well but still finds a way to give up points.

What's right in the Real World: Javier Morales had the breakout game a lot of us have been waiting for. His touch was sublime, he was strong on the ball despite Joey Franchino's thuggery, his crossing was pinpoint, his vision was good, and he made solid decisions. Nat Borchers and Jamison Olave continue to impress in the center of the back line and did a great job keeping Donovan and Gordon contained. Tony Beltran played with a lot of confidence in his first start, despite the mistake that led to the first LA goal, but he is an intelligent player and will learn not to be too cute that close to RSL's goal. Matias Cordoba made some nice plays in limited minutes. Dema Kovalenko looks like a great fit at defensive mid. And finally, Fabian Espindola and Kenny Deuchar have separated themselves from the pack at the forward spot - they are working well together and are finishing chances.

What's wrong in the Real World: The reserve forwards (Robbie Findley and Yura Movsisyan) continue to be highly disappointing. I don't have a lot of confidence in RSL's ability to get a late goal from a substitute right now. Findley continues to show poor touch and is invisible a lot, while Movsisyan's finishing is beyond bad and his lack of vision and passing is killing promising opportunities. The USOC match aside, Beckerman has had two subpar games in a row - I don't believe this team can provide a consistent 90-minute effort without him on his game. And finally - I feel like we've been saying this for four years now - RSL continue to make one or two costly mental errors each game that opponents are capitalizing on. RSL need to learn to put teams away when they have a lead, get up by enough that you can absorb a few mistakes/bad calls, or learn to not make so many of those mistakes.

A brief look at the week ahead: FC Dallas @ RSL. The lack of results have put RSL in the unenviable position of having what I would consider to be a must-win game very early in the season. Unfortunately Dallas is not the team you want to be facing in a must-win game. They are a very good technical team and will try to possess the ball - a good formula for finding success on the road. RSL will need to find the defensive bite in their midfield to limit Dallas' possession. Shutting down Kenny Cooper will also be key.

Final thoughts: While RSL have done an admirable job at addressing a lot of needs in the offseason, I still see a glaring one remaining that nobody seems to be talking about. In the two home draws this season (vs. Chicago and LA), there have been some common denominators. First, RSL dictating the play most of the time. Second, solid defense.....but here's where it starts to go downhill. Third, the inability to finish good chances. Fourth, one or two key mental mistakes, and fifth - the part I want to talk about - a player for the opponent who can make you pay for those mistakes. We saw Cuauhtemoc Blanco make RSL pay for essentially its only mistake of the match. And we saw David Beckham make RSL pay - twice - for its two big mistakes.

Every team makes mistakes - there's no perfect soccer team out there. What RSL have never had is a player who can make opponents pay for their mistakes. RSL haven't had a player who is nearly automatic on free kicks or can consistenly deliver late goals in close games when the pressure is on. In other words, RSL do not have a "go-to guy".

Perhaps in the future RSL will use their DP slot on a player like this. But in the near term, this player will likely have to emerge. My hope would be Espindola emerging as RSL's hero when a late goal is needed. But until that happens and somebody steps up, RSL will likely continue to get burned for their mistakes while allowing their opponents' mistakes to go unpunished.

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Pregame Update: Saturday April 26, 2008

Real Salt Lake: Real braced to handle United's fury -> Deseret News/James Edward
"They're going to be out for us for sure ... . I've already read some of the things they've been saying in the press and I know Tommy Soehn, their coach, has already lit a fire, they're going to be ready for us for sure," said Borchers.

Saturday morning thoughts, predictions -> DesNews Blog/James Edward
It’s game day, and like everyone else I’m very anxious to see how Real Salt Lake handles the inevitable pressure thrown its way by D.C. United.

RSL: Opponent looms United -> Salt Lake Tribune/Michael C. Lewis
We will get the full brunt of their frustration," coach Jason Kreis said, "and the full brunt of their abilities."

United primed for win -> Washington Times/John Haydon
"This will be a good game to erase everything that's been happening and really start over new," defender Marc Burch said.

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And your starting lineup is...

(okay so this is only my version, not an official one)

FW: Espindola, Deuchar
CM: Morales, Williams, Beckerman
HM: Talley
DF: Joy, Borchers, Mantilla, Wingert
GK: Rimando

potential subs: Findley, Olave, Movsisyan, Beltran, Kovalenko

FORWARDS: This one is the most up in the air in my mind. I think there is no question that Deuchar will be a starter this season. This may not happen in the first match, since he has missed a couple of weeks of recent practice due to work permit issues, but it will happen. My opinion is that Deuchar is our odds on favorite for a 10+ goal scorer this season. However, if he doesn't integrate with our playing style or our playing style doesn't adapt to him, then he could end up being a bench-warmer. I don't think this will happen. Espindola, Findley and Movsisyan are all pretty similar - young, with great potential, need experience, and need to prove they are finishers. I have chosen Espindola because of his crossing ability, his foot skills, he can play on the left, and because he may be the most accustomed to the style of play that has been advertised for our club this season. You could easily argue Movsisyan based on his preseason, he seems very focused, has good speed and a little more strength than Espindola or Findley. You could also argue Findley as our returning Golden Boot winner. I think he may be more suited as a second half substitute.

Midfield: There seemed to be alot of options from a personnel standpoint. Unfortunately, my opinion is that two of the options have not taken the step forward that we would have liked. Cordoba does not appear to have yet lived up to the advance billing that we received. The fact that he has recently performed with the reserves (and did not appear to standout) and that he did not start against KC in the final preseason match seems to confirm this. It also does not appear that Kovalenko has yet found a great fit into our roster. We have essentially asked him to play a bit out of position, and he hasn't yet flourished in this wide midfielder role. Beckerman? Solid. Can really play all over the midfield, and the way he moves, he will. Talley may be a bit of a disappointment for some fans, but with this group I don't mind this at all. In a pure holding midfield role he is plenty capable. And his leadership ability will help us out in the defensive side of the ball. Finally Javi Morales - my pick for most surprising player this season. I believe the league will take notice as he shows his stuff.

Defense: This seems like it has evolved pretty nicely. Joy, on the left side will leave his heart on the field. May be a bit lacking in the speed department. Will support the offense with good crossing ability. We've all heard about his tough tackles. Let's see it on the field. Borchers is a no-brainer. Good size and skill, and great experience and leadership on the field. Mantilla can be a bit erratic but brings good energy and a tough attitude. Will he hold off Olave (a monster on the pitch) from cracking the lineup? Probably - especially early in the season. Wingert is being challenged by Beltran who has been impressive in the preseason, and enters the opener trying to overcome an injury. But his experience should keep in the starting lineup for the early part of the season.

Goalkeeper: Nick Rimando. 'Nuff said.

Style: Tough hard-nosed physical play in our 1/3rd of the field. Short, tight passing with the ball flowing out of the back through the midfield into the offensive third. Mix in some balls over the top to Deuchar. Can this all fit together? And quickly? Let's all hope.

Go Real!

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Player Profile: Matias Mantilla

Matias Mantilla

Position: Defender (Center Back)
Date of Birth: February 14, 1981 (27)
Place of Birth: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Height: 5 ft 8 in
Weight: 154
Previous Clubs: Defensora de Belgrano (Argentine 3rd Division), Huracan, Argentinos Juniors
National Team Exp: none
Jersey Number: #27
Current Status: Senior Roster (International)
How Acquired: Transfer from Defensora de Belgrano

Personal summary: Matias was born in Buenos Aires. He has been linked with at least one model (see links below) in the past. On the field, he is known to be very passionate, and has received his share of discipline as a result.

Professional summary/highlights: Matias began playing with Argentinos Juniors, a club that was Argentine first division at the time, but he made a move to 2nd division Huracan after Argentinos Juniors was demoted to the same division. In 2004, he made the switch to 3rd division Defensora de Belgrano before moving to Real Salt Lake in 2007.

Webpages/Myspace/Facebook:

Youtube/video links: Goal versus Kansas City

Other links: MLS Player profile: Matias Mantilla/MLSnet; Wikipedia Page: Matias Mantilla/Wiki, Pic - Goal celebration, Model friend - Silvina Luna

Keepin It Real Expectations for 2008: Matias will be competing with Nat Borchers, Jamilson Olave and rookie David Horst for one of two center back positions. He also could see some time at an outside back position with the lack of depth that the team has at that spot. We expect him to start 80% of the matches, and perform reasonably well. By the end of the season, it's possible that that Olave and Borchers will hold down the center back positions because of their physical attributes.

Fans Scorecard Ratings: Mantilla Rating

Interesting Fact/tidbits/quote: Referred to as “Mati” by his teammates. Mantilla was not originally a target for RSL, but came to Kreis’ attention when he was in Argentina scouting Javier Morales and Fabian Espindola. "I went down to Argentina without even a thought on my mind of picking a defender up," said coach Jason Kreis of his recent trip down to Argentina to find some impact players for the club. "The agent I was in contact with represents all three players (Mantilla, Fabian Espindola and Javier Morales), and he asked me if I had any need for a central defender, and I said no. I thought about it a little longer and I thought, 'Yeah, I do but next year.' When I saw his highlights and his DVD, I instantly was trying to figure out how I was going to get all three players because I feel he is that special ... I left there feeling like we had to get him."

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PRACTICE AT THE FIELDHOUSE MARCH 20, 2008

After being at the last two practices outdoors, I can say that I like them much better than the indoor practices. The abundance of light outdoors makes the photography much easier/better. Here is a summary of today:

First half hour was fitness, stretching, etc. Next was a line of 3-man drills. They then broke up into two groups. One group took shots on the keeper from various spots. The other group did a drill that focused on spacing, moving the ball quickly, and making accurate passes. (BTW - of what I saw Cordoba seems to have real quality passing ability). They then did a short field scrimmage, and afterwords did more fitness activities. I left the 2 hour practice after 2 1/2 hours and they were just winding down.

Injury updates: Rimando and Kovalenko in full duty. Wingert training on his own still but looked to be going at full speed. Espindola sat out of the main drills, and was icing down his knee at the end.

Absentees: Oly guys of course, and Borchers. Rumor has it that Nat was closing on a house or condo. I think he was still filling out his NCAA basketball bracket.

Not much else that was noteworthy.

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Realslfan's Underdog #3

DAVID HORST

Why he's an underdog.

Okay so admittedly this one's an easier sell than the other two. As a rookie drafted with the last pick in the first round, Horst is clearly an underdog. In addition, the club signed two notable players at the central back position: Nat Borchers, and Jamilson Olave. These were added to the stable already including Matias Mantilla, and the underachieving (to this point) Nik Besagno.


Why I'm rooting for him.

REASON #1: Athletic ability! Having watched him in practice, this guy seems like a monster. He is 6' 4", 200 pounds and seems to be very quick for his size. In practice, he finished in the first two or three in a couple of speed drills that the team did. Not bad for a big guy.

REASON #2: Attitude! He is also fearless and throws his body into the play without a thought that he is just a rookie. Also in a scrimmage at practice he was one of the most active at getting to the open spots and getting shots off, when some of our forwards were struggling to put shots on frame. Someone forgot to tell him that he's a central defender!

REASON #3: Background! How can anyone not love a guy from Pine Grove, Pennsylvania - a horse and buggy town in Schuylkill County Pennsylvania with a population of 2,154? A guy who was an NCAA All-American and CAA defender of the year for consecutive seasons. Horst was also Old Dominion's first MLS 1st Round pick.

REASON #4: History! First, Eddie Pope's shoes are big un's to fill. Between Mantilla, Olave and Borchers we seem to have 3 good options at center back. However, remember last year when we started the season with Pope, Stewart and Torres? Olave is a bit of an unknown, with a reputation for disciplinary issues. Mantilla had some positioning lapses, and demonstrated a temper last season. Only Borchers appears to be rock solid. It seems to me that the more quality options at this position, the better.

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