MLS Playoff Preview: Real Salt Lake vs. Columbus Crew

Friday, 30 October 09, 12:02 PM · Comments (0)

Defense of the cup continues tomorrow for the Columbus Crew, and it's a harder match than one might think. Real Salt Lake, labeled by some as undeserving of a playoff spot, are the first obstacle standing in the way of Columbus and a back-to-back MLS Cup.

A few big stories dance around this one -- many see this as an upset potential in the making, as a fortunate RSL crushed Colorado to slide into the playoffs. Real has a solid attacking contingent that meshes well with a talented midfield. Robbie Findley seems to be peaking at the right time, and the foundation laid by Javier Morales, Kyle Beckerman and Will Johnson in the center of the park will test the Crew defense.

Injury concerns linger around the Crew. Their best defender, Chad Marshall is a question mark thanks to a sprained knee suffered in training in September. Will Hesmer missed the last game of the season due to illness but should be in line to start Saturday's game. Adding intrigue to this one has been Columbus' dire home form at Crew Stadium.

Real's best hope is to come out fast and furious at home and hold on for dear life in the second leg. RSL has been notoriously terrible at home, and they beat Columbus 4-1 at the start of the season at Rio Tinto, but that was back in April when Columbus got off to a slow start. Guillermo Barros Schelotto has helped trigger a season-long turnaround, culminating with a second straight Supporters' Shield.

Whether that will translate into a second consecutive MLS Cup is harder to read. At their peak, Columbus is a good bet to be in Seattle on November 22. But will the injury to Marshall leave them open to a Findley-Yura Movsisyan field day? Or will Robery Warzycha have his troops prepared and hold off RSL with ease?

Salt Lake can surprise some people, though Columbus should still have enough to get by them in a tight encounter.

MLS Playoff Preview: Real Salt Lake vs. Columbus Crew

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