RSl Versus the Crew: The Power of the 12th Man in Rio Tinto

By: Rocky Cole | October 31st, 2009

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I have been surfing the soccer blogs today and not many people are giving Real Salt lake much of a chance to get past defending MLS Champions, The Columbus Crew. I just want to remind people of three things:

1. Overall, RSL has scored 23 more goals than its opponents in home games this season. In its last four MLS home matches, Salt Lake has outscored opposing teams 10-1.

2. RSL had the best record in the league at home (9-1-5) with 34 goals for RSL and 11 against in its first full season in Rio Tino Stadium in Sandy, Utah.

3. RSL also set an interesting record by scoring the most goals (18) after the 75th minute of the game of any MLS team.

Again, I know I’m partisan here, and it wasn’t all roses as RSL had one of the worst road records in the league.

RSL’s home and away records and play were like Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde in Cobalt and Claret, and that dichotomy played out in what happened in the two previous meetings between RSL and Columbus this year. When RSL played The Crew at home in Rio Tinto, RSL won 4 to 1. Later, when RSL played The Crew in Columbus, RSL lost 3 to 1.

What’s the difference in how RSL plays at Rio Tinto versus everywhere else on the planet? Who knows… altitude, the water, or the energy they get from the 12th man. I only know one thing for sure, RSL played a heck of a game against Colorado to get in the playoffs and if the team comes out and plays a similar game they will be right in it with Columbus.

For RSL to get past the defending champs they need to make a statement in Rio Tinto today and not leave it to a road game in Columbus.

Can they beat the Crew? I think so, and my guess is that Columbus knows that too and will have no illusions this will be a walk in the park today. Me, I will be sitting on the front row right next to the fans pictured above. I love those guys, and apparently, so does the RSL team.