DC United vs Real Salt Lake Preview

Real Salt Lake form (DLWL): RSL's record away from Rice Eccles is 0-2 coming into this game. RSL came from a very disappointing first half against Toronto FC. Kreis said, "I think we came out tactically and played that game a little bit wrong, to be honest." RSL did come out in the second half which a better approach to the game, and reversed the roles of this game. However, Toronto was the only team with a goal in the end.

DC United form (LWLL): DC United is coming off of a loss at home against the Columbus Crew. DC's performance in the early part of the year has been a surprisingly weak one. However, they have 3 points in 4 games this year, and last year they captured the Supporter's Sheild after starting the season with 1 point in 4 games. They will also be well-rested with a 8-day break compared to last game's 3-day break.

History: Well, Real Salt Lake has had great success against DC United at home, but going on the road has been a very different result. DCU has owned the series at home with a 2-1-0 (W-D-L is how I like to show my records), and the first loss for RSL at RFK was a 5-1 defeat. However, RSL's recent 4-0 thrashing will still be vivid in everyone's mind.

What to watch for:
Will Marcelo Gallardo start clicking with the rest of the team? He is still getting used of the players around him.
Are there going to be several changes to RSL's lineup? Keepin' It Real saw several changes to the starting lineup in practice.
Will Gonzalo Peralta give us a goal? He was blamed greatly for the porous defense against us a few weeks ago, and then directly accounted for one of Crew's goals last week.

Player Matchups:
Deuchar vs Peralta: I had to start with these two beasts, as they really were at each other's throats last game. I think Peralta has lost confidence, and Deuchar will get the better half of him this game, as well.

Wingert/Beltran vs Fred: Whichever player gets the right, they will need a hold a creative, skilled Fred to nil. Or else, he could be sending in many dangerous crosses to Emilio.

My Prediction:
DC United 2 - RSL 2. I think Kreis showed some accountability by countlessly referring to the first half as a tactical error on the coaching staff. I believe he understood the problem, and will be looking to fix this. However, with RSL showing more aggression comes to open spots going wide against our team. So, I see DC United getting a couple goals, and RSL coming back to make a draw out of a great crowd at RFK Memorial Stadium. Fred gets a goal and an assist, and Deuchar gets his second goal of the season.

Think I am giving Kreis too much credit for his accountability, let me know about it by leaving a comment.