3 Questions with RSL Soapbox

RSL Soapbox's Matt Montgomery stopped by, and we asked him the burning questions that we have about this week's opponent.

1) How did RSL know that this was the time to make the coaching change?

That's the question of the hour — but from a fan perspective, there was a palpable feeling that things just weren't quite right at the club. The party line has been that it was a cumulative decision from the start of preseason, and that RSL general manager Craig Waibel and company hadn't seen the required progress. The talk after that was that the team wanted to make any decisions quickly, and that seems to be Craig Waibel's way: Once you know what you want to do, do it.

2) What were your impressions of former MNUFC Goalkeeper, Matt Van Oekel last match?

He was good! He wasn't perfect, sure, but he stepped into a very difficult position. With a new coach leading the way — even in an interim sense — there was plenty of risk that things could fall apart. Van Oekel made some good saves and commanded his box, which was exactly what we needed. Nick Rimando is clearly our starting goalkeeper, but after the Jeff Attinella trade, we're looking good again.

3) What has been the biggest flaw in RSL's game this year that MNUFC could exploit?

Where to start? Our flaws have been plentiful. We're vulnerable on the counterattack, we're vulnerable in the middle, and we're vulnerable when we cede possession in the defensive half. One issue on its own might be easy to solve, but three? I really do think that your lot will score goals. There's been plenty of that so far. Of course, this is a newly motivated Real Salt Lake with a coach that's looking for business-like results — Mike Petke won't take over until Monday, and Daryl Shore will want to show well before that transition.