LAG Confidential: Head coach Jeff Cassar has struggled to implement a new 4-3-3 system after RSL enjoyed years of success using the diamond formation. Is there a possibility Cassar reverts back to the diamond midfield if the team struggles continue?

RSL Soapbox: The 4-3-3 has been off to a slow start to say the least. The defense has overall been very solid but the offense is horrid thus far. Just before the season began, Jeff Cassar said that he wants teams to have difficulty preparing for Real Salt Lake and that he felt like teams had essentially figured out how to stymie the diamond at times. He also implied that the diamond will be a weapon going forward and that it is not going away completely. In fact, the diamond was used against New England a couple games ago. (It did not go well)



If RSL reverts back to the diamond, it will be after they have fully figured out the 4-3-3 so that they can switch back and forth between the two formations to depending on opponents strengths and weaknesses. I don't foresee the diamond being used much if at all any time soon unless it is out of necessity due to injury or international call-ups.

LAG Confidential: Now that Javier Morales has been ruled out of the match with concussion symptoms, how will RSL cope in his absence?



RSL Soapbox: Luis Gil has filled in for Javier Morales on multiple occasions with varying degrees of success. There are times like it looks like that was the one thing that needed to happen for Gil to really take off and other times where he disappears for way too long and fans wonder when he will start to reach his potential. Gil has all the signs of being a fantastic player and excels when he is with the youth national teams. My guess is that if he was given a few games in a row to really get his form going in that position, it would start to click. As for now, he will have played in three or four positions this season and that does not provide the consistency he needs.



LAG Confidential: How worried are the fans about Real Salt Lake's overall poor form, with just two wins and seven goals in eight games?

RSL Soapbox: Real Salt Lake fans are like most fans - passionate and emotional. The form thus far has left a lot to be desired and I will be the first to admit that. I do think, however, that a lot of that poor form has to do with Joao Plata, Sebastian Jaime, and even Javier Morales at times being out due to injury. When those players get back and find their form, I am willing to bet a lot of money that RSL will be on an upward trend. The truth is that goals fix everything and the goals will come when our best forwards are back on the field.



