(by James Edward deseretnews.com 9-3-10)
Real Salt Lake will try and make history tonight.
Twenty-one straight Major League Soccer teams have walked out of Rio Tinto Stadium winless, and by adding the New York Red Bulls to that list this evening, RSL will tie the MLS record with a 22-game home unbeaten streak.
Don't expect the Red Bulls to be intimidated in the slightest.
Their four road wins are the second-most in MLS, and they recently halted another impressive home streak with a 4-1 win at Toronto. The victory snapped Toronto's 17-game home unbeaten streak.
"We know we have to win no matter what," said Fabian Espindola.
Realistically, Espindola and his teammates are less concerned about tying Columbus' league record and more concerned about keeping pace in the race for the MLS Supporters' Shield for the best regular-season record.
Two months ago, it looked as if Los Angeles would run away with the Shield. But lately, Real Salt Lake, Columbus, FC Dallas and New York have all climbed to within six points or less of the Galaxy. RSL coach Jason Kreis still believes L.A. is the favorite, with six of its final eight games at home, but by no means is he conceding the trophy.
He's quick to point out that the David Beckham-led Galaxy were favorites in last year's MLS Cup as well.
RSL needs the full three points against New York to keep that dream alive.
"It's a massive, massive match for us," said Kreis. "We're very excited about it."
Real Salt Lake should be well-rested. The globe-trotting club played matches in Mexico and Toronto last week, but it's had a week to recharge emotionally and physically for its match against the second-place team in the East.
Despite a heartbreaking 5-4 loss in Mexico City, RSL is feeling pretty good about itself after rebounding and earning a scoreless draw at Toronto last Saturday.
"The response and positive feeling we got from that match was probably more important than the point itself," said Kreis.
Neither team, unfortunately, will have a full complement of players to choose from.
RSL be without Alvaro Saborio and Will Johnson, who are each away with their respective international teams this weekend. New York, meanwhile, will be missing four starters. New signee Rafael Marquez is away with the Mexico National Team, while Dane Richards (Jamaica), Bouna Coundoul (Senegal) and Roy Miller (Costa Rica) are also away.
The six absences detract from what had the potential to be one of the best matches in MLS this season.
"It's disappointing to look at the game and say there's going to be players missing ... especially at this point in the season. You come down to the last hurdle, the last stretch, you hope everybody can push out their strongest side," said Kreis.
This weekend is an official FIFA international date, and clubs have to release their players if they're called up by their respective international teams. The void left by the absence of Saborio, who leads the team with eight goals, and Johnson, the engine of the midfield, will once again put RSL's depth to the test.
In its five-year history, Real Salt Lake has only beaten New York once, a 2-0 win at Rio Tinto Stadium last year. The Red Bulls lead the all-time series 3-1-6.
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