A Few Small Camp Tidbits

I was hoping to get some camp info today, but unfortunately my contact there has fallen ill. There are a few things that he did pass along:

• Viveros was again delayed because of visa issues.
• Apparantly Viveros and Olave are close. I know that they played together for two seasons, but I hadn't really thought about this. If Olave's girlfriend and child are still not here, this could be really welcome for Olave.
• Escalada and Jorginho are very friendly, and are extremely excited about the opportunity with RSL and with MLS.

In addition, my source is very familiar with the Ventura County team. He gave me his impression of Alexandre. He believes that despite the backlash about the pick, Jean will be a very good player in the league once he adjusts to that level (yes-he may be biased). He told me to imagine a player like Findley but with strength and size that can play with their back to the goal.

FINALLY- Check back often. On Sunday we'll have insight coming directly from the match.

Sun., Feb. 8 – RSL vs. Ventura County Fusion – 8:00 p.m. MT

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Other Camp Notes

Nothing tremendously noteworthy about today's practice. They broke into two groups, one group going through drills while the other group did strength training, then they switched.

Nobody did anything spectacular in either a positive or a negative manner, however there were two young players who were noticeable:

• Brennan Tennelle - To be honest, he didn't impress me much in training or in reserve play last season. However, he appears to be serious about this season. He's very thin, but extremely strong. He was going after every ball and showed hustle that lacked in some of the other players.
  

• David Horst - Had some good moments in drills, but what stood out was his leadership. He seemed to take the rookies under his wing and was very vocal in coaching them during the drills.

Many of the headline names were on light duty including Morales, Movsisyan, Findley, Mathis, and Russell. Of course Russell is coming off of surgery. I know that Findley picked up a bump or two during his trial with Brondby, and Movsisyan seemed to be complaining of some pain. I'm not sure if Mathis or Morales were injured or just kept out of the action because of their veteran status.

No sign of Olave, Viveros, Owusu-Ansah or El Khalifi but all are reported to be joining them in California as the team departs tomorrow morning.

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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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Daily Update: Wednesday Jun 18, 2008

Real Salt Lake vs. San Jose III -> The Soapbox
We should see more of Cordoba after what was a good first half last weekend, hopefully his improvement will be similar to that of Olave on defense, if so we should see our midfield continue to improve as the season move along.

Weekly Update: Double-dip -> Real Salt Lake Media Relations
RSL prepares to host Quakes, followed by Revolution

Soccer officials say stadium has parking stalls and more -> The Salt Lake Tribune/Rosemary Winters
it's possible to hold a game without the flashing lights and drones of fire alarms, stadium manager Mike Steele said. Sandy firefighters would have to stand guard to orchestrate an evacuation in the event that a fire did break out.

We'll look to provide more updates today as they become available. (Red text indicates recent update)

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A Real World Review: Wednesday May 28, 2008

A Real World Review

A Review of Week 9 for RSL

(Courtesy of Derek Hoopes)

This Weeks Results: 2-1 Loss against FC Dallas / 2-0 Loss against Columbus (Open Cup)

Record: 2-5-2

Points: 8

Key Developments: Winless streak on the road continues to plague RSL.

What's right in the Real World: Since I am in a rather foul mood as of late, and because I just threw my pitcher of RSL Cool Aid out the window, I should be able to offer an unbiased view from where I sit, in the stands, as an RSL fan. What’s right? Hold on while I go upside-down into the barrel of soccer trash and see if I can scrape something off of the bottom for us.

As disappointing as this season has been for us so far, one would think that the playoffs may already be sinking beneath the horizon of our future. But wait. I just found “What’s right” number one. We are only four points away from being tied for second place in the Western Standings, and only six points from first. Wow. Thanks to a seemingly weak western side of the league, RSL is still firmly within reach of making the playoffs for the first time in their existence. Things will have to improve in several areas to make this happen, but those needed improvements may not be that far out of reach for a team that (unlike last year) keeps fighting to get better. I don’t sense a defeated attitude from the team and that tells me that we are at least headed in the right direction mentally.

Hey! I found something else in here. “What’s right” number two shows me just how close to becoming a contender we might be. If this team knew how to close out a game properly, we could easily find ourselves feeling better about the season so far. Take our first game of the season against Chicago, the 2-2 draw against Los Angeles, and the 2-1 loss in Dallas last weekend (all winnable games), and close those out the way they should have been. That’s seven points dropped! We’d be at the top of the table singing praises to the soccer gods. I know that most would point out that not being able to finish games is one of the main reasons why this team is failing so far this season, but I would argue that we have the talent to succeed in this. If we can figure out how to finish, RSL would make a huge step forward toward making the playoffs this season.

There isn’t much else down here. I did get something caught under a finger nail while I was scraping the bottom of the barrel though. Oh look! It’s “What’s right” number three. Seven out of the next ten games are at home. RSL needs to gain more confidence. With more confidence they should be able to break through on the road. Let’s hope they continue to play well at home and find a way to finish their opponents off convincingly. No mercy please!

What's wrong in the Real World: Road Rash- RSL is absolutely horrible on the road. The Colorado game…well, I’m not even sure what that was. The collapse in the end at Dallas was a song I’m really getting tired of listening to. Jason and his crew need to figure this one out soon. If not, I’ll try to bring high hopes for the team again next year. Someone pass the rash cream.

Injuries- We have a lot of nicked-up players (Morales – groin, Espindola – hamstring, Joy – bone-spurs, Sturgis – hamstring, Olave – knee?), just to name a few. We’ve been unlucky in this department, but it’s something we have to deal with. And what is up with Sturgis? We really need this guy, but will he ever be healthy for a long stretch? Maybe we can put him in a protective bubble and let him play like that. Our very own “Bubble Boy”, think about it.

Coaching- Why do I feel like we keep getting outplayed by the coaches from the other teams? It seems like we can never quite get the tactics right and we are slower than a dead snail at making adjustments. Too often we allow the other team, or the field we are playing on, or just about anything, have too much of an effect on what we do. We need to dictate play more, not the other way around.

Naming Names- Ian Joy needs to pull his head out of the darker places of life. It’s easier to see what’s going on around the field when you do. All kidding aside, I know he’s a better player than he’s shown us this year. Come on Mr. Joy, we need you.

Mantilla…Mantilla…Mantilla. I like you’re demeanor, but please O’ please, crisper passes and concentrate on good defensive positioning.

Robbie Findley needs to find his confidence. His first touch is dreadful so far this year. Also, with his speed, he needs to learn how to beat a defender when he’s one-on-0ne.

A brief look at the week ahead: We have a lot of home games coming up. We absolutely have to take advantage of this if there is any hope of making the playoffs this season. A win this weekend against San Jose would make a great start.

Final thoughts: Ok, so maybe I kept a shot glass of RSL Cool Aid hidden in the back of my refrigerator. I just can’t help being more optimistic than not. As down as I feel about the team right now, I still can’t wait until Saturday rolls around. I thank the soccer gods every day that RSL is here for my enjoyment and agony.

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Practice at Rice Eccles: May 2, 2008

Practices prior to game day are typically very brief, and interesting. Even though everyone is trying to conscientiously not overdo it, you can usually sense a special intensity in the air. Today was no exception. Here are some of my observations:

• Injury report: Sturgis had low-impact workout - light running and stretching. Nimo did not participate at all. Espindola seemed to be at full speed. Mantilla didn't participate in the last 20 minutes or so (not sure if this was injury related).
• No signals about starting lineup, but here is what I gathered from an informal poll of media in attendance. Espindola likely to team up with Deuchar. Midfield most likely to remain the same as DC match (sorry Talley critics). Cordoba and Bomma will be waiting in the wings if Talley struggles early. Most likely Olave and Borchers in central defense, although its nearly a toss up with Mantilla if he is fully healthy. Wingert is a lock as one outside back, possibility of Beltran on the other side especially because his speed could come in handy to counteract Donovan.
• There are 2 members of a Scottish newspaper (I think the Sun?) in town this week following Kenny Deuchar around. They were telling us that if he gets good service he can dominate a game inside the box.
• At the end of practice, the team took shots from various spots on the field. They had the outside backs out wide, and they were practicing getting off crosses. Looks to me like we are planning on focusing on this in the upcoming match (to take advantage of Deuchar).
• Goldenballs and Don Garber teamed up this afternoon for a media blitz at the site of the new stadium.

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Open Cup Match Review

RSL 4: San Jose 0

I usually don't like to write match reviews, but because of the weather, the weeknight, and the fact that it was an Open Cup match against an expansion team I figure there might be fewer reviews floating out there in cyberspace. Here are some of my thoughts:

• Goals by Beckerman (2), Movisyan, and Williams. Beckerman's first goal was opportunistic as it came off of a header from Mantilla. His second goal was a fantastic long-range shot well-placed in the lower left corner of the goal away from the keeper. Movsisyan's goal was off of a spectacular pass from Cordoba who passed up an open shot himself. Williams goal was off of a well placed pass from Nunez.
• Man of the Match: clearly Captain Kyle. Two goals, captain of the team, and great play all through the first half.
• Other standouts: Seitz, Cordoba. Seitz wasn't challenged a ton, but he was up to the occasion every time. He also was very vocal in organizing the defense and was pretty solid with his distributions. Cordoba had a great game in the center of the midfield. He beat his man on several occassions, made good passes (particularly the play on Yura's goal), and had some well placed corner kicks into the box. In addition, he had two wonderful takeaways: the first setting up Yura's goal, the second later in the first half in which he had a clear path to the goal, and was tackled wildly from behind about 23 yards out (thanks football lines). Mysteriously there wasn't even a foul called, when one could argue that this could have been a red (although he was a bit far out maybe to be an imminent scoring threat).
• Other solid contributors: Beltran, Olave, Mantilla, Wingert. All quite solid.
• Poorest performers: Findley, Movsisyan. Movsisyan had numerous chances, and continued his tendancy to play with the ball too much. The goal he scored was an easy shot set up completely by Cordoba. He should have done much more and had several wasted opportunities. Findley hustled, but did not make any serious opportunities develop from this hustle. His first touch continued to fail him. I noticed that his touch was typically well intentioned with him trying to put the ball in the right spots but his first touch is almost always too heavy.
• San Jose was forced to use a couple of subs early in the first half as two players (one was Cochrane I believe, not sure who the other was) heads collided. One of them was bleeding quite badly.

Before we get too excited about this win, it was only an Open Cup game against an expansion team. However, this team has played very well at home this season. This match was the second home game in a row with a 4-0 result, and the second home game in which Beckerman came up with a brace.

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Practice Update: April 24, 2008

Not surprisingly, today’s practice was quite short due to the bad weather, and the teams impending departure to DC. Things were quite intense as usual.

• The team was split into two groups. One group took shots on goal while the other was doing a possession/defensive pressure drill.


• They finished with a full sided scrimmage.


• The starting lineup of one side may give some indication to the coaching staff’s thoughts at this point for Saturday’s starting eleven.


• This lineup included Rimando, Wingert, Borchers, Olave, Beltran, Talley, Beckerman, Kovalenko, Morales, Deuchar and Findley. Sturgis was not present and Espindola spent his time running. Everyone else participated fully.


• Look for Cordoba to possibly get some action in the Open Cup match next Wednesday.

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Player Profile: Jamison Olave

Jamison Olave

Position: Central Defender
Date of Birth: April 21, 1981 (26)
Place of Birth: Medellin, Colombia
Height: 6 ft 1 in
Weight: 210
Previous Clubs: Deportivo Cali, Boyoca Chico FC, Patriotas FC, Atletico Huila
National Team Exp: none
Jersey Number: #22
Current Status: Senior Roster (International)
How Acquired: loan from Deportivo Cali

Personal summary:

Professional summary/highlights: Started career with Deportivo Cali. Has spent time with several other clubs, but recently returned to Deportivo Cali before being loaned out to RSL.

Webpages/Myspace/Facebook:

Youtube/video links:

Other links: MLS Player profile: Jamison Olave/MLSnet, Wikipedia Page: Jamison Olave/Wiki, Deportivo Cali - Player Profile

Keepin It Real Expectations for 2008: This guy is a physical specimen. He is tall (6’1), strong, and has good speed. This alone may get him into the lineup should there be an injury or a deficiency at one of the center back spots. My belief is that he’ll find his way into the lineup this season. This will likely be for Mantilla who can be erratic at times. Whether or not he’ll stay in the lineup on a consistent basis will depend on his play, but my guess is that Mantilla, Borchers and Olave will all see time in the central back “rotation”.

Interesting Fact/tidbits/quote: Has a reputation for being overly aggressive, and having a temper. Was nearly loaned to Millionarios instead of RSL, but plans changed as he was preparing to get on a flight to travel to the club. Nicknamed “Goro”. Has stated that he sees playing in the MLS as a stepping stone in his career. Garth Lagerway has described Olave as “potentially one of the top central defenders in the league” and “Oguchi Onyewu but with better foot skills”.

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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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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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