I did feel that Real would get back on track this year after a poor 2015 and wrote in early season ...........
I expected RSL to hit the ground running after missing out on the post season for the first time since 2007 last season, that was the longest playoff streak in MLS history and their season effectively ending in October hurt the franchise, players and supporters and normal service is expected to be resumed this time round. They are unbeaten in four starts and have scored twice in each, that has been key, as only Rapids who "won" the wooden spoon scored fewer and it took ten starts for Real to score eight goals in 2015. That was always termed a transitional year, with some big personnel changes and also a shift in formation, which along with injuries and international call ups all disrupted the rebuilding process. Nonetheless, it was still painful the way the season played out and the squad worked hard over the off season and come into this campaign focused and highly motivated. They have an experienced backline and midfield and the fact that both wins came without Javier Morales in the squad, is hugely encouraging for the future, as at times, they relied almost exclusively on him last season, especially when things were not going well. Last of those was a 2-1 win at Sporting KC last week, who had a 100% record until then and RSL led by two until injury time.
Hard to over emphasize how impressive that win was, RSL were hard hit by injury and suspension and without ten squad players, that meant a couple of youngsters and another one or two out of position, but they shut out Dom Dwyer, never looked in real trouble and outshot the home side 15-9 ( 8-3 on target) and were tactically spot on, happy to concede possession in areas where SKC could not hurt them. Hosts are 8-4-0 at home to Rapids and have never lost to them here since moving to the Rio Tinto Stadium. Hosts have far more options today, with three returning from suspension and the treatment room clearing and have competition for starting places and options to freshen up. This is a good match up for RSL as whilst Rapids also look to have improved since their annus horribilis, DCU showed how to restrict their build up play last month and RSL set up similarly to United and will look to narrow the midfield and stifle creativity.
They have been far more prolific up front and are averaging a whopping 0.88 more goals per game than at the same stage last season. That has come at a cost with nine more conceded, but with ten more points on board, I doubt they will have too many complaints. They have been tighter defensively at home, where they are always strong, but have been involved in several recent shoot outs with Impact ( 4+ goals in last three meetings) and it is easy to see this following suit. RSL have not kept a clean sheet in 13 starts and will be without suspended right back Tony Beltran who is the first defensive name on the team sheet, he has missed just five starts in the last two yeras ( 11 goals conceded). Impact games this season have averaged 3.19 goals and they have both scored and conceded twice, in six of their last nine starts. Goals , 2-2/3-2 feels about right.
Good Luck.
