With their unexpected hot start earning them second place in the West, complaining about Real Salt Lake now seems more like nitpicking than constructive criticisms. However, I think if the most ardent of supporters for the Claret-and-Cobalt would admit to the need for at least a few tweaks to the system. Shoring up the back line and improving late game pressure situations would likely top most lists. However, I think the most valuable adjustment just might be more playing time for Devon Sandoval.
Sandoval is entering his fourth season with the club and by all appearances, both player and club would seem very happy for him to continue plying his soccer trade in Sandy, Utah. For three seasons Sandoval has been a capable, if not streaky, substitute more effective off the bench than in the starting lineup. But that was mostly under the old guard. Now seems to be an appropriate time for the organization to really tests his abilities and pushes his talents to the limits.
With the return of Yura Movsisyan to the Wasatch Front, RSL typically deploys a three-man front consisting of the big bodied Armenian alongside the speedy Joao Plata and the crafty Juan Manuel “Burrito” Martinez. Plata and Martinez have developed a delightful chemistry often resulting in brilliant displays of ball handling freeing one or the other up for a clear strike on goal. Movsisyan for his part tends to use his size to wear down the defense. Switching between the bruising size of Movsisyan and the speed and creativity of Plata and Burrito has proved to be key for RSL in the early part of the season.
The only drawback so far seems to be Movsisyan tends to wear down a little as well. There have been a few moments this season where Movsisyan just seems a tad behind the centering pass or just unable to complete the run. An extra goal in a game could really help alleviate some of that late game pressure that has caught up with RSL a couple times already this season.
It is not that Movsisyan is playing poorly or undeserving of his status as a starter but more that swapping Sandoval could be of a greater benefit to RSL than the current usage.
Plata and Burrito’s chemistry should be unaffected by the inclusion of Sandoval into the lineup since he fills the same role of Movsisyan. Sandoval has proven to be very active and aggressive in going toward the goal when on the pitch and at 24, is four years younger than Movsisyan.
Sandoval started seventeen games for RSL last season scoring netting four goals and adding two assists. While half of a season in the starting lineup should be enough time to fully evaluate a player, RSL spent last year struggling through the first really disappointing season in years and underwent a change in tactical philosophy. I think that leaves the evaluation incomplete.
Allowing Sandoval to see the pitch earlier and against fresher defenders will give head coach Jeff Cassar a fuller picture of the player Sandoval has become. Also, it preserves Movsisyan’s legs for later in the game and even later in the season. Sandoval can do the early dirty work of wearing down the defense before giving way to the more accomplished goal scorer to finish out the game. This gives not only gives RSL a better look at a young talent but could also pay dividends in the form of more goals and a large cushion in the closing moments of games.
Movsisyan is returning from a prolonged stint in Europe and likely needs a little time to adjust to the different style and pacing of the MLS season. Early minutes for Sandoval means fewer miles on the legs of Movsisyan at the end of the season and hopefully the playoffs.
I do not know if the top dogs of RSL expected this kind of start or not but I am certain they would want to capitalize on it. This seems to be a way to not only prepare for the playoff push but also keeps with the culture at RSL of keeping an eye on the future.
Movsisyan is clearly the present answer in Salt Lake City and will be a vital part of any playoff run the club makes this season but it does not hurt to continue to develop and prepare a young guy like Sandoval. MLS seasons are long and often grueling, having two big strong forwards familiar with the role expected of them playing between the creative Plata and Burrito can only be a positive.
Main Photo: Alex Menendez, Getty Images
