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RSL try to extend unbeaten run in tilt with Crew

Jul 29, 2011 - 8:26 PM Sandy, UT (Sports Network) - Together, Real Salt Lake and the Columbus Crew have combined to two of the last three MLS Cups and two of the last three Supporters' Shields.

Both teams are having quite impressive seasons so far in 2011 as well.

Columbus has quietly risen to the top of the Eastern Conference, tied on 31 points with the Philadelphia Union. The Crew are 4-2-1 in their past seven regular season matches.

Real Salt Lake enter Saturday's match against the Crew in fourth place in the Western Conference with 33 points, but have played four less games than each team ahead of them.

Both teams are expected to be missing some key players for the tilt at Rio Tinto Stadium.

Crew goalkeeper Will Hesmer is expected to be absent with a quadricep strain. Andy Gruenebaum should fill in for Hesmer for the second consecutive week. In his first appearance of the season, Gruenebaum recorded a shutout as the Crew defeated the Portland Timbers 1-0 at Crew Stadium on July 23rd.

Jamison Olave injured his knee in the All-Star Game loss to Manchester United which should see him miss Saturday's match. The reigning MLS Defender of the Year has been a crucial figure in a defense that has only conceded 12 goals in regular season play, the fewest by an MLS club this season.

Knowing that they will be playing at home, Real Salt Lake should feel confident about earning a good result against the Crew on Saturday.

Rio Tinto Stadium has been a fortress for the club, posting a 7-1-3 home record this season. In addition, Columbus has been mediocre away from Crew Stadium, going 2-5-3 on the road in 2011 thus far.

Earlier in the season, Columbus handed Real Salt Lake its third loss of the season with a 2-1 victory on June 8th. Real Salt Lake have not lost in MLS regular season play since the last time these two teams met, recording a 3-0-4 record.