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In a new weekly feature on RNO I’ll be taking a look at some of the more interesting matches on the MLS schedule - looking at them in depth and breaking down the tactics, formations and key individual match ups.
For MLS First Kick I see two matches that look particularly intriguing. The first one is a rematch of the Eastern Conference Finals when DC United travel to BBVA Compass Stadium to take on back to back MLS Cup finalists Houston Dynamo. The other match I’ll be looking at is an all Western Conference tilt, as a newly rebuilt Real Salt Lake side travel to BuckShaw Stadium and face off against last season’s winners of the Supporters Shield, the San Jose Earthquakes.
DC United @ Houston Dynamo
Even though this is the season opener, it really immediately proves to be a litmus test for DC United and the squad that Coach Ben Olsen has put together. United make a serious case for having the strongest spine in the league, as they deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation led by captain and Canadian International Dwayne De Rosario as chief playmaker the squad. He is accompanied by a promising goalkeeper in Bill Hamid, the strong central defensive partnership of Brandon McDonald and fellow Canadian International Dejan Jakovic, the midfield pairing of Brazilian Marcelo Saragosa and rising talent Perry Kitchen, as well as forward Lionard Pajoy.
They take on a Houston Dynamo side under Coach Dominic Kinnear that has a point to prove, having not only failed to seal the deal in the last two editions of MLS Cup but also seeing this as potentially the last run for some of the key figures on the team. Kinnear likes to play a 4-3-3 formation, with the focal point of the build up play falling at the feet of captain Brad Davis. This squad will be interesting to watch as they’ve made a few key additions, mainly the acquisition of forward Omar Cummings, who is a major upgrade up front. Cummings not only joins the growing Jamaican contingent on the squad but he could also bring out the best in the likes of Will Bruin, who himself is poised for a breakout season.
The main talking point surrounding DC United is how they will cope without influential wide man Andy Najar, as the Honduran International joined Belgian side Anderlecht in the off-season. The play of De Rosario in combination with the wing play of Chris Pontius and Nick DeLeon will be something to watch, especially going up against a solid midfield core consisting of Ricardo Clark, Adam Moffat, Giles Barnes and Óscar Boniek García. The duo of De Rosario and Pontius struck up a true understanding last season, which was evident in their selection to the 2012 All-Star Game, as well as scoring a combined 19 goals and providing 13 assists. DeLeon had a productive rookie campaign that saw him finish runner up for Rookie of the Year and much will be expected of him in hopes that he doesn’t have a ‘Sophomore Slump’.
The key match-up to watch will be United’s Perry Kitchen and Marcelo Saragosa versus the aforementioned Brad Davis. Marking Davis out of the game for large portions will force the Dynamo to play narrow and thus be less effective.
Another interesting aspect of this game from a Houston Dynamo perspective is how many minute key players will log, as they also host Mexican side Santos Laguna a few days after this fixture in the First Leg of their CONCACAF Champions League Quarterfinal tie.
Here is how I expect both sides to line up:
DC United:
Houston Dynamo:
Prediction: DC United 1-1 Houston Dynamo
Real Salt Lake @ San Jose Earthquakes
In the other match, Real Salt Lake is transitioning into life without some key players that made up their 2010 MLS Cup Championship side. Coach Jason Kreis and the club have moved on from the likes of defender Jamison Olave, midfielder Will Johnson and forward Fabian Espindola and will be going up against an Quakes side that has added more depth to their squad this season. It will be interesting to see which players will step up.
Unfortunately for RSL, they are already fighting an up hill battle, as oft-injured Argentine playmaker Javier Morales will miss the first few weeks of the season after having reparative surgery on his right meniscus. Morales joins fullback Chris Wingert and central defender Nat Borchers on the injury list. These injuries in combination with midfielder Luis Gill representing the USA in the CONCACAF U20 Championships could see an increased role for many players, including former Toronto FC midfielder Joao Plata.
That being said, much of the attacking influence will come up front with the new forward partnership of Alvaro Saborio and Robbie Findley. While the pedigree of Saborio has been proven over the last few seasons, the return of Findley from failed experiences in England with Nottingham Forrest and Gillingham should serve as motivation for him to get back to the form he was in during his first stint with the club from 2007-2010.
San Jose will be looking to build on their magical season last year that not only saw them finish with the Supporters Shield but also saw forward Chris Wondolowski tie the single season scoring record set by Tampa Bay Mutiny forward Roy Lassiter in 1996. While those accomplishments were commendable, the calling card of this team is based on its physical style and ability to never be out of a game. Much of the credit should given to Coach Frank Yallop, who is excellent at getting the best out of journeyman players, as the entire club has adopted the “Goonies Never Say Die” mantra/attitude. The tone of San Jose’s play is set by the likes of defender Víctor Bernárdez, as well as forwards Alan Gordon and Steven Lenhart. It will be interesting to see how Real Salt Lake’s rebuilt and injury hit back line will deal with the pressure and physical approach of the San Jose forwards.
The key match ups to watch will be how RSL midfielder Kyle Beckerman organizes the formation from the middle of the park, especially with how versatile this San Jose squad can be and with the width they can exploit through fullbacks Steven Beitashour and Justin Morrow.
Here is how I see both sides lining up:
Real Salt Lake:
San Jose Earthquakes:
Prediction: Real Salt Lake 1-3 San Jose Earthquakes
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