RSL: Tweek the Frontline

They haven't been losses, but the way the last few home games have gone they may as well be. I thought last year's team introduced me to all the different ways I could feel frustration - I was wrong.

The difference this year is that now we dominate play. RSL brought the New England Revolution to its knees a couple weeks ago. Ableit, it was a sputtering Dempseyless Revolution side at the time. And tonight they neutralized a hot Chivas USA squad that has not lost since May and have left such teams as Western Conference leaders Dallas in their wake. Both RSL games against the Revs and Goats should have been won, and had opportunities to be won.

We don't need to recall the missed chances from close range during said matches, but the point is clear: the finishing boogey man needs to be remedied.

In times where RSL have scored, like in Chicago at end of June, the defense has broken down. When the defense is clicking, as in tonight, the offense mentally goes on vacation and creatively botches sitter plays.

As I think the recent performances, our problems are all mental. In these last two home games we have seen that RSL can knock the ball around with any team and create chances. The chances have been dangerous - now we just need to finish them.

With all that said I submit what has been bubbling in this fan's mind. What would it be like to have 6'3" Atiba Harris paired up with Jamie Watson? Even just for a half, then bring Jeffy on for some late game heroics.

The rest of the squad is essentially figured out, and works for the most part. I'd like to see Ellinger fiddle just a bit more with our front line to see if the right combo could create a spark.