Toronto FC vs Real Salt Lake preview

Real Salt Lake form (DLW): RSL is now at 1-1-1 after they demolished DC United 4-0. However according to Kreis and many players, RSL's play was not as good as the first two games of the season, but the shots were hitting the net this time.

Toronto FC (LLW): Toronto is coming off their late-winner against the Galaxy with Cunningham putting one in the old onion bag (from Tommy Smythe, hopefully I spelled it right). This gave TFC their first result of the year tieing them with the Red Bulls and DC in the bottom of the East. Toronto has brought in a several changes to the midfield with the main signing (Amado Guevara) getting his first full week of practice. TFC's main problem seems to be in the back line, and some of their fans are expecting to see UCONN draftee (Julius James) getting his first start in MLS.

History: Toronto won last year's series 1-1-0. The game TFC won saw the recently traded players (Jeff Cunningham and Alecko Eskandarian) getting revenge on their old team, but Cunningham's revenge had to feel better with Toronto getting the win. Last year's game at BMO Field resulted in a 0-0 draw.

What to watch for:
-With our recent explotation of DC's defense, can we start a scoring tradition by slicing through Toronto's porous defense (2.67 goals allowed per game)?
-Will our main contributor of 2006 start the game or come on in the 2nd half to give us some late scary moments?
-Will Toronto's revamped midfield hold up to the potential that TFC fans are expecting from them?

Player Matchups:
Sturgis vs Guevara
Sturgis came off a great performance by really disrupting the DC attack, and playing smart attacking balls out from deep in the midfield.
Guevara played great in Toronto's win over the Galaxy. Now with a full week a practice, Guevara looks poised to be a consistent threat to RSL.

Borchers/Mantilla vs Dichio
Borchers and Mantilla has been one of the best center back combonations in the league.
Dichio is a big guy that plays very big and finds way to score goals. Toronto's attack may be very threatening if they combine a speedy Cunningham to the mix.

Morales vs Edu/Robinson
Morales has shown a great presence going forward with his creativity and precision. With his near goal last week, I am looking for him to beat Greg Sutton.
The Edu and Robinson combo has some major potential. But, I have not really seem them play as well as I thought they would.

My prediction:
3-1 RSL. I expect Deuchar to completely mix up the Toronto, and either score or set up a couple goals. Plus, I think Morales will put one in the back of the net. I expect to see Cunningham in the 2nd half, and the combination of Dichio and Cunningham will be the cause of TFC's one goal.

Notes:
Fabian Espindola (Questionable - Hamstring)
Ian Joy (Probable - Ankle Bone Spur)

Now hate on me for thinking RSL will dominate against a great crowd at BMO Field.