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Soccer MLS

5 Reasons Why Real Salt Lake Will Win the 2014 MLS Cup

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Why RSL Will Win the MLS Cup

Why Real Salt Lake RSL Will Win MLS Cup
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Real Salt Lake were one penalty kick short of hoisting the MLS Cup last year. A coaching change came and went, yet RSL are near the top of the standings in the Western Conference again despite losing many key players to injury or the World Cup this summer. The favorites to win the 2014 MLS Cup all hail from the west, and RSL believe they have a chance to redeem themselves after last year's loss.

5. Playmaking Ability

Javier Morales
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

5. Playmaking Ability

Javier Morales
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Led by Javier Morales, the RSL midfield is good at making something out of nothing. They operate with skill around the box and are heavily involved in the attack. They do not rely on one or two players to create in the final third. Ned Grabavoy, Luke Mulholland and others have been a large part of the build up giving RSL many ways to get by the opposition.

4. The System Works

Jeff Cassar
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

4. The System Works

Jeff Cassar2
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

When Jason Kreis left for NYCFC the immediate reaction was can RSL stay where they are in the standings? Well it turns out it is the system and the team that has been built by Garth Lagerwey and all other RSL administration that is working. Jeff Cassar has done well with his in-game management and comes off as a strong leader. Confidence is evident from all in the organization.

3. Joao Plata and the Rotation of Forwards

Joao Plata
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

3. Joao Plata and the Rotation of Forwards

Joao Plata2
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Joao Plata has blossomed with Real Salt Lake, and it hasn't mattered who has been paired with him up top. A constant rotation can be a sign of problems, but RSL have been able to keep their strikers healthy. Alvaro Saborio has returned from injury. Robbie Findley and Olmes Garcia have provided pace and contributed to the score sheet. This is a good problem for Cassar to have heading to the playoffs.

2. Experience

Kyle Beckerman
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

2. Experience

Kyle Beckerman2
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

There is experience all over the field, and it comes from players who have been with RSL for some time. Kyle Beckerman and Chris Wingert joined in 2007 while Nat Borchers came in 2008. Most of this team remembers how it felt to lose last year as well, which could be a motivating factor when the postseason hits.

1. Nick Rimando

Nick rimando
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

1. Nick Rimando

Nick rimando2
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

It is nice to have one of the best goalkeepers in MLS history as the shot stopper. He can dominate a game and distributes better than any other keeper in the league. Rimando has shown no signs of slowing down.