Jason Kreis and RSL are the most frustrating duo in MLS. Former listeners to the American Soccer Show on CSRN will know that I have a soft spot for the club, not because of any geographic tie, but because of the presence of former Miami Fusion players up and down the organization, starting with GM Garth Lagerway.

Much like last year RSL had a loaded squad with arguably more depth than any other in MLS. Yet, in both seasons the club needed last day heroics to qualify for the MLS postseason.

I have mentioned before, that I believe Jason Kreis is still learning how to manage a team. That having been said, at least he is improving as a manager the hard way: a true baptism by fire.

Salt Lake has once again shocked a top seed in the playoffs with a squad that on paper is probably better than the two more successful teams they have eliminated. Last season, Chivas USA was injury plagued and had quite frankly played over its head all season when they met RSL in the playoffs. The same could be theorized for Columbus this year.

I do not want to get into too much psycho babble about RSL, even though, I do have some strong thoughts on the side. I’d like to hear from our readers. Why the Utah based club is so much stronger in the one or two off format of the playoffs rather than the Regular Season? Why is a team that is so deep and has quality all around the pitch so suspect for large portions of the Regular Season ever year?

OTHER QUICK THOUGHTS

  • Thanks to Bobby Brandon for his outstanding post yesterday on USL and its expansion plans. One quick note: I have been told the clubs are not necessarily moving in for 2010 but 2011 isn’t to be announced either. USL made a mistake this past season by rushing a very successful USL-2 team, Cleveland City up to USL-1 and helping to damage the organization. Edmonton is an expansion city, but the other three cities will be taking existing lower tier USL teams and moving to the first division. This is a potentially dangerous move for each organization that must be planned carefully. Austin made a similar move this past year, but had been planning it for over a year and of course has the financial and technical backing of EPL side, Stoke City in a relationship that remains unique to the game in this country. (Please don’t say Chivas USA or Crystal Palace. I’m referring to Major European first division clubs)
  • I got a tip from a local source that Alejandro Bedoya is a possible call up for the US National Team’s friendlies in Europe this month. Bedoya is from my area- actually his youth club, Weston Fury is the second closest “major” youth club to my home. (The closest is where Jozy Altidore played, ironically enough: BTW the Weston fury have joined the USSF Development Academy structure this year) He’s currently playing for Orbero in Swedish League. For more on the midfielder, please check out my piece from a few months back here.