VAVEL USA Colorado Rapids writer Bryan Kvitek and Real Salt Lake writer Stockton Mair sat down to do a question and answer session about the Rapids, Real Salt Lake and the Rocky Mountain Cup ahead of the team's match this weekend. Both clubs are coming off of mid-week matches from Wednesday with each getting a different result.

Real Salt Lake played to a 1-1 draw at Rio Tinto Stadium with the New York Red Bulls.  Joao Plata scored his third goal of the month before Thierry Henry answered to split the points. Colorado Rapids, on the other hand, fell on the road at Gillette Stadium to the New England Revolution by a score of 3-0. It was New England's first league win since May 24th.

The first set of questions were asked by Bryan, here are Stockton's responses: 

Bryan: After Colorado won the Rocky Mountain Cup last year, RSL and especially Kyle Beckerman made it sound like they do not really care about the cup, do you think that is the same feeling now?

Stockton: I can't say how the players feel about it, as they have not stated anything about the Rocky Mountain Cup since but I can tell you the fans love the rivalry that comes from this. This rivalry and Cup are a very interesting thing that is good for both teams. In a sense, they get silverware even if they don't make it to the MLS Cup


Bryan: Just three points separate the two teams. How much would a win mean to RSL this week?

Stockton: A win would be huge. I can’t stress enough that a win would be huge. The players and coaches keep saying it. Every game from now on is a must win. If RSL wins this game, gets the trophy, and gets three points, that could boost the team's confidence. It would increase the fans confidence in the team as well. 


Bryan: How big of an impact has the loss of Alvaro Saborio been on RSL?

Stockton: Losing Saborio has been huge. He is the all-time goal scorer for RSL, which is huge. We've gotten goals from Joao Plata and others, but it just isn't the same without Sabo. His backup, Devon Sandoval hasn't performed as well as last season. He hasn't scored at all this season. I'll give him slack though, as he is coming off an off-season surgery on his foot. 


Bryan: Which Rapids player will RSL need to shut down in order to win?

Stockton: If he plays, Deshorn Brown. He is a great striker in the league, and caused RSL trouble last year. RSL needs to keep him covered at all times. 


Bryan: Colorado is a young team does that make them more dangerous in this big rivalry?

Stockton: I'm not sure if it does. Although they are young, they don't have as much chemistry as RSL does. The majority of RSL's roster have been working with each other for a couple of years now. They know how each person plays. I think RSL is more dangerous, since they have experience playing together. Colorado does have speed, which is needed in the attack. 


And now here are the questions from Stockton with the answers from Bryan:

Stockton: I recently read an article stating that Colorado thinks their defense is improving. What do you think? 

Bryan: Yes, I do. With the regular starting back four of Chris Klute, Drew Moor, Shane O’Neill, and Marvell Wynne along with Clint Irwin in net Colorado has posted nine shutouts on the year. Last season they had 10 total. But, it hasn't been the defense alone that has contributed to the improved defensive showing. The presence of Jose Mari, Nick Labrocca, and Dillon Powers in the midfield has made it so the defense doesn't have be the stalwarts they needed to be last year. 


Stockton: How important is three points to Colorado right now?

Bryan: Three points would be huge for Colorado. Not only would it mean jumping into second in the West, but it would bring the Rocky Mountain Cup to even with one win a piece. Every response from Rapids players indicate the Rocky Mountain Cup is extremely important to them. The Supporters Group, Centennial 38, are the main fans that worry about the Rocky Mountain Cup, but all Rapids fans want to beat RSL no matter what. The fan support a win would generate would be huge for the Rapids. 


Stockton: What RSL player does Colorado need to shut down? 

Bryan: Cliché I know, but Kyle Beckerman. When the Rapids do well they control the midfield and Kyle Beckerman is one of the top midfielders in the league. Vicente Sanchez will be back and Jose Mari may be as well, which will hopefully mean that Colorado will be able to play their top 11 players. With Sanchez, Jose Mari, and Dillon Powers in the midfield Colorado has shown that they can control the tempo of the game. If they are unable to stop Beckerman and allow RSL to take over control of the game the Rapids will struggle. 


Stockton: Who has been the top scorer for the Rapids, and do you think he will continue scoring against RSL?

Bryan: Vicente Sanchez and Deshorn Brown are the top scorers for the Rapids at this point. Five of Sanchez's six goals have been off penalty kicks, he has been the most creative force for Colorado. Deshorn Brown on the other hand, has been able to use his speed and play making ability to beat defenses. While Brown still has a lot of growing to do as an overall player; he has shown that he is a natural goal scorer. 


Stockton: Do you think the Rapids can make it to the playoffs this season?

Bryan: Yes, the Rapids can make it to the playoffs. This team seems to be playing a lot better and much more like a team then they did under Oscar Pareja. While some still are hesitant to say that the success Colorado has had is partly due to Pablo Mastroeni, I do not think that it is something that can be argued. While I was one of the biggest opponents of Pablo being named head coach, the results that have been produced cannot be denied. With the improved defense and what looks like improved goal scoring as well the Rapids are going to be a team that will need to be contended with.

Like always, this will be an interesting matchup between conference rivals. 

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About the author
Stockton Mair
I have been RSLTID (Real Salt Lake Til I Die) ever since I knew about their existence. I follow their every move, and soccer is my life. I am super glad to be writing for VAVEL USA!