RSL PREGAME

Here we go again, as the cursed month of July continues: Tonight, TFC takes the field against the woeful Western Conference leading Real Salt Lake. It comes as a surprise that Salt Lake are no longer bottom feeders, as they have been throughout their history, but coming in at 6-6-6, they are not world-beaters either. Their position in the standings is more a testament to the weakness of their conference than to their strength.

In the Reds’ home opener, they managed to beat Salt Lake 1-0 on a Laurent Robert freekick. While Salt Lake had the occasional chance, they did not threaten much that game. However, we are playing on concrete at Rice Eccles tonight, and we all know about TFC’s strength away from BMO. On the other hand, this is the venue where we picked up our first ever road win. Goal scorers: Collin Samuel and Jeff Cunningham. Oh how the times have changed.

Tonight we are plagued by international callups and injuries. While Maurice Edu and Marvell are preparing for the Olympics in Hong Kong (originally, reports indicated they would leave after the Salt Lake game), there are conflicting reports about Ibee Ibrahim. Some say he is with the US U-20 squad, other’s say he’s with TFC in Utah. Time will have to tell. Dichio is still injured, Dunivant is out for the year and rehabbing in his hometown, Colorado. Meanwhile, the main questions fans are asking themselves is whether Chad Barrett will be available tonight. Who, you ask? Well, it looks like TFC and the Chicago Fire have completed a deal for the rights to Brian McBride. On the way up here is 21-year old striker Chad Barrett, who leads Chicago in goals scored this year with five, but is renowned for his Cunningham-like trait of missing sitters. However, he is also known for his very un-Cunningham-like work effort, and I’m sure TFC fans will welcome him with open arms. Also coming our way is the Fire’s first round draft pick and an allocation slot. MoJo loves him some allocations, eh? Anyway, as I type it is 7:07 pm ET, and no word about the deal being final (though MoJo said it would be either on Friday afternoon or Monday morning). Assuming MLS offices in New York close at 5, we’re chadless tonight.

Sutton - James, Marshall, Velez, Brennan - Ricketts, Robinson, Guevara, Robert - Smith, Ibrahim

Again assuming that Ibrahim is with the team, and Barrett is not. Alternative for JJ at right fullback would be Nana Attakora-Gyan, who showed well in both exhibition games.

The game is on CBC Bold, which is generally a channel that costs money, but if you call your television service provider and tell them that you’ve heard good things about it and you’d like to try it, they will give you a 3 month free trial. If you are too lazy, the CBC broadcast is also streamed in full on their website.

Although we are lacking a little in the warm bodies department, I have a relatively good feeling about this game. Unless I am much mistaken, Salt Lake is the only MLS team that has never defeated us. And the picture? No, it’s not Chad Barrett. For some reason, all Chad Barrett images I was able to find were deemed to be a security threat by the media uploader. So, I went with a much safer choice, 50 cent. Enjoy the game.

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