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Played
July 31, 2010 9:00 PM EDT
Rio Tinto Stadium, Sandy, Utah
Referee: Ramón Hernández
July 31, 2010 9:00 PM EDT
Rio Tinto Stadium, Sandy, Utah
Referee: Ramón Hernández
Real Salt Lake Vs D.C. United: Head To Head Preview
By Jeremy Horton and Steven Streff
On Form
Real Salt Lake: Salt Lake continue to be the toughest team in MLS to beat at home. RSL have now gone 19 straight in MLS play at home without a loss. The all-time league mark for home games without a loss is in sight - 22, set by the Columbus Crew a few years back. Head coach Jason Kreis admitted that his team is gunning for that mark, which should serve as motivation for this upcoming week. Real haven't had quite the results they wanted recently, but they can take comfort in the fact that they continue to dominate almost every game they play. Opponents need to be prepared to make the most of their time with the ball, because chances are you won't have it much when you play Salt Lake.
D.C. United: D.C. is enjoying a horrendous run of form in the league at the moment, so there is slim pickings when it comes choosing someone who has been playing well for United. But, in their last match out, Danny Allsopp netted a hat-trick against England's Portsmouth FC, in an ugly 4-0 win at RFK. While Portsmouth didn't exactly put up much of a challenge for United, it should still be reassuring to United fans to see that Allsopp, who has seen limited action for United this year, can make a difference at the striker position, a position which United has struggled with all season long.
Off Target
Salt Lake: RSL were on a scintillating run earlier this season - a run that didn't garner much attention because of LA's even better one. But it's safe to say Real are officially slumping at the moment. No, the wheels haven't come off, but they are losing games they should draw and drawing games they should win. The offense is keeping the ball and taking shots but having trouble scoring. The defense is holding things down but making a few critical mistakes. Even the venerable Nick Rimando gave up a howler of a goal last week.
D.C. United: Curt Onalfo. Many are wondering how the United manager is still in charge of the nation's capital club. Questionable tactics, questionable personnel decisions, and a general lack of the winning mentality have seen United struggle with the league's worst record this season. Onalfo's sides can't seem to score goals or prevent other teams from scoring goals. And while injuries were a major part of the difficulties at the beginning of the season, there really should be no more excuses by this point in the season.
Tactics
Salt Lake: Kreis learned from his mistake and abandoned the 4-5-1 after the debacle in Dallas, returning to the preferred 4-4-2 against Chivas. The return of Kyle Beckerman was welcome to the team, but he showed the rust from missing two months. He should be a little better against D.C. This week, Salt Lake will need to scheme about how to slow down Andy Najar. Whoever plays fullback on his side will need to stay home a bit more so Najar can't counterattack. On paper, the best choice might be Tony Beltran because of his speed and fitness, but he had trouble against Najar last time they played. Kreis may opt to go with Robbie Russell, who can play Najar more physically, or he might put Chris Wingert on Najar and rely on Wingert's veteran instincts.
D.C. United: Too many times this year, especially in the recent weeks, United has gone into matches fielding a 4-4-2 formation that lacks a true striker. Jaime Moreno just doesn't have the legs to play 90 minutes week in and week out, and he has changed his game to adapt to his pace. Santino Quaranta has been played up top, but like Moreno, loves to drop deep into the midfield to pick up the ball. Same could be said of new signing Pablo Hernandez. United have just two strikers left on their roster, and Adam Cristman is out after hernia surgery. Thus, Onalfo must start Allsopp against Real Salt Lake. Even if he doesn't score, he can still provide the holdup play like no one else can on United's roster.
Intangibles
Salt Lake: Given LA's current form, this would be a great time for RSL to close the gap in the hunt for the Supporters' Shield, so it's unfortunate that Real are wobbling a bit as well. If they hope to catch the Galaxy, this is probably a must-win game - especially given the demands of the coming month's schedule. That mentality, the home streak, and the frustration over recent lost opportunities should work in Salt Lake's favor.
D.C. United: United have been blessed with arguably the best youngster this season in Andy Najar. The 17-year-old has earned his spot in United's starting eleven, and generally has been United's best player this year (which of course, isn't saying all that much). But, with him on the field, United has that added dimension of creativity that they seem to be lacking elsewhere on the field. Provided Najar starts -- which he should-- United will have at least a decent chance against Salt Lake.
Prediction
Salt Lake: Real should be acutely aware of their weaknesses right now, and with a solid week of training, they should be able to improve somewhat on those flaws. It won't be a slumpbusting game by any means, but RSL should find enough mojo to get the win. Real Salt Lake 2-1 D.C. United.
D.C. United: D.C. has faced RSL twice this season, drawing in the league and winning in overtime thanks to a Najar goal in the U.S. Open Cup. However, United just is not playing well of late, and won't change that at all in a 2-0 loss in Salt Lake City.
For more on Major League Soccer, visit Goal.com's MLS page and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page!
Real Salt Lake: Salt Lake continue to be the toughest team in MLS to beat at home. RSL have now gone 19 straight in MLS play at home without a loss. The all-time league mark for home games without a loss is in sight - 22, set by the Columbus Crew a few years back. Head coach Jason Kreis admitted that his team is gunning for that mark, which should serve as motivation for this upcoming week. Real haven't had quite the results they wanted recently, but they can take comfort in the fact that they continue to dominate almost every game they play. Opponents need to be prepared to make the most of their time with the ball, because chances are you won't have it much when you play Salt Lake.
D.C. United: D.C. is enjoying a horrendous run of form in the league at the moment, so there is slim pickings when it comes choosing someone who has been playing well for United. But, in their last match out, Danny Allsopp netted a hat-trick against England's Portsmouth FC, in an ugly 4-0 win at RFK. While Portsmouth didn't exactly put up much of a challenge for United, it should still be reassuring to United fans to see that Allsopp, who has seen limited action for United this year, can make a difference at the striker position, a position which United has struggled with all season long.
Off Target
Salt Lake: RSL were on a scintillating run earlier this season - a run that didn't garner much attention because of LA's even better one. But it's safe to say Real are officially slumping at the moment. No, the wheels haven't come off, but they are losing games they should draw and drawing games they should win. The offense is keeping the ball and taking shots but having trouble scoring. The defense is holding things down but making a few critical mistakes. Even the venerable Nick Rimando gave up a howler of a goal last week.
D.C. United: Curt Onalfo. Many are wondering how the United manager is still in charge of the nation's capital club. Questionable tactics, questionable personnel decisions, and a general lack of the winning mentality have seen United struggle with the league's worst record this season. Onalfo's sides can't seem to score goals or prevent other teams from scoring goals. And while injuries were a major part of the difficulties at the beginning of the season, there really should be no more excuses by this point in the season.
Tactics
Salt Lake: Kreis learned from his mistake and abandoned the 4-5-1 after the debacle in Dallas, returning to the preferred 4-4-2 against Chivas. The return of Kyle Beckerman was welcome to the team, but he showed the rust from missing two months. He should be a little better against D.C. This week, Salt Lake will need to scheme about how to slow down Andy Najar. Whoever plays fullback on his side will need to stay home a bit more so Najar can't counterattack. On paper, the best choice might be Tony Beltran because of his speed and fitness, but he had trouble against Najar last time they played. Kreis may opt to go with Robbie Russell, who can play Najar more physically, or he might put Chris Wingert on Najar and rely on Wingert's veteran instincts.
D.C. United: Too many times this year, especially in the recent weeks, United has gone into matches fielding a 4-4-2 formation that lacks a true striker. Jaime Moreno just doesn't have the legs to play 90 minutes week in and week out, and he has changed his game to adapt to his pace. Santino Quaranta has been played up top, but like Moreno, loves to drop deep into the midfield to pick up the ball. Same could be said of new signing Pablo Hernandez. United have just two strikers left on their roster, and Adam Cristman is out after hernia surgery. Thus, Onalfo must start Allsopp against Real Salt Lake. Even if he doesn't score, he can still provide the holdup play like no one else can on United's roster.
Intangibles
Salt Lake: Given LA's current form, this would be a great time for RSL to close the gap in the hunt for the Supporters' Shield, so it's unfortunate that Real are wobbling a bit as well. If they hope to catch the Galaxy, this is probably a must-win game - especially given the demands of the coming month's schedule. That mentality, the home streak, and the frustration over recent lost opportunities should work in Salt Lake's favor.
D.C. United: United have been blessed with arguably the best youngster this season in Andy Najar. The 17-year-old has earned his spot in United's starting eleven, and generally has been United's best player this year (which of course, isn't saying all that much). But, with him on the field, United has that added dimension of creativity that they seem to be lacking elsewhere on the field. Provided Najar starts -- which he should-- United will have at least a decent chance against Salt Lake.
Prediction
Salt Lake: Real should be acutely aware of their weaknesses right now, and with a solid week of training, they should be able to improve somewhat on those flaws. It won't be a slumpbusting game by any means, but RSL should find enough mojo to get the win. Real Salt Lake 2-1 D.C. United.
D.C. United: D.C. has faced RSL twice this season, drawing in the league and winning in overtime thanks to a Najar goal in the U.S. Open Cup. However, United just is not playing well of late, and won't change that at all in a 2-0 loss in Salt Lake City.
For more on Major League Soccer, visit Goal.com's MLS page and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page!
Field Report
Reader's Predictions
Top 3 Predictions
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Real Salt Lake 1-2 D.C. United
- 33.33 %
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Real Salt Lake 2-0 D.C. United
- 26.67 %
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Real Salt Lake 3-1 D.C. United
- 13.33 %
| USA - Major League Soccer (MLS) | Sep 24, 2011 | D.C. United 4 - Real Salt Lake 1 |
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| USA - Major League Soccer (MLS) | Jun 18, 2011 | Real Salt Lake 1 - D.C. United 1 |
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| USA - Major League Soccer (MLS) | Jul 31, 2010 | Real Salt Lake 3 - D.C. United 0 |
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| USA - Major League Soccer (MLS) | Jun 5, 2010 | D.C. United 0 - Real Salt Lake 0 |
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| USA - Major League Soccer (MLS) | May 24, 2009 | D.C. United 0 - Real Salt Lake 0 |
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Real Salt Lake
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| May 26, 2012 | Real Salt Lake 3 - FC Dallas 2 | MLS |
| May 12, 2012 | Seattle Sounders FC 0 - Real Salt Lake 1 | MLS |
| May 9, 2012 | Chicago Fire 0 - Real Salt Lake 0 | MLS |
| May 5, 2012 | Real Salt Lake 2 - New England Revolution 1 | MLS |
| Apr 28, 2012 | Real Salt Lake 3 - Toronto FC 2 | MLS |
D.C. United
  |
||
| May 26, 2012 | D.C. United 3 - New England Revolution 2 | MLS |
| May 19, 2012 | D.C. United 3 - Toronto FC 1 | MLS |
| May 16, 2012 | D.C. United 2 - Colorado Rapids 0 | MLS |
| May 12, 2012 | Houston Dynamo 1 - D.C. United 0 | MLS |
| May 5, 2012 | Toronto FC 0 - D.C. United 2 | MLS |
| 18 | Nick Rimando | Goalkeeper |
| 3 | Robbie Russell | Defender |
| 15 | Álvaro Saborío | Striker |
| 17 | Chris Wingert | Defender |
| 20 | Ned Grabavoy | Midfielder |
| 6 | Nat Borchers | Defender |
| 4 | Jamison Olave | Defender |
| 5 | Kyle Beckerman | Midfielder |
| 11 | Javier Morales | Midfielder |
| 8 | Will Johnson | Striker |
| 10 | Robbie Findley | Striker |
| 1 | Tim Melia | Goalkeeper |
| 16 | Fabian Espindola | Striker |
| 19 | Pablo Campos | Striker |
| 77 | Andy Williams | Midfielder |
| - | Jean Alexandre | Midfielder |
| 22 | Nelson Gonzalez | Midfielder |
| 2 | Tony Beltran | Defender |
| 1 | Troy Perkins | Goalkeeper |
| - | Julius James | Defender |
| - | Carey Talley | Defender |
| 21 | Pablo Hernandez | Striker |
| - | Santino Quaranta | Striker |
| 8 | Branko Bošković | Midfielder |
| 18 | Daniel Allsopp | Striker |
| 14 | A. Najar | Midfielder |
| - | Devon McTavish | Midfielder |
| 8 | Marc Burch | Defender |
| 19 | Clyde Simms | Midfielder |
| 28 | B. Hamid | Goalkeeper |
| 15 | Barry Rice | Defender |
| 6 | Kurt Morsink | Midfielder |
| 17 | Adam Cristman | Striker |
| 7 | Stephen King | Midfielder |
| 13 | Chris Pontius | Midfielder |
| - | Jaime Moreno | Striker |
| Javier Morales | |
| Position: | Midfielder |
| Squad Number: | 11 |
| Games | Goals | YC | RC |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| A. Najar | |
| Position: | Midfielder |
| Squad Number: | 14 |
| Games | Goals | YC | RC |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
18 
3 
15 
17 
20 
6 
4 
5 
11 
8 
10 
1 
0 
0 
21 
0 
8 
18 
14 
0 
8 
19
Results
Times In EST
Match News
Top Scorers
| Player | Goals | Penalties | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Kenny Cooper
Striker NY Red Bulls |
11 | 2 |
|
Chris Wondolowski
Striker San Jose Earthquakes |
11 | 1 |
|
Thierry Henry
Striker NY Red Bulls |
9 | 0 |
|
Saer Sene
Striker New England |
7 | 1 |
|
Maicon Santos
Striker D.C. United |
7 | 0 |