That alternative did not escape head coach Pablo Mastroeni, who made 10 modifications to his beginning XI in Saturday’s 2-1 loss to Orlando City, aiming to relaxation his first-choice group and have them prepared for Tuesday’s quarterfinal towards LIGA MX’s Club León at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park (10:30 pm | Apple TV).
“Being three games away from hoisting a trophy, we all know MLS is an incredibly difficult league to obtain any trophy,” Mastroeni mentioned throughout Monday’s preview press convention.
“And being three games away, and the guys putting themselves in this position, is a moment we can’t let [slip] from our grasp.”
Knockout strain
RSL have motive to really feel assured after an unbeaten Phase One that noticed them take seven factors from three matches and publish an MLS-best +7 aim differential.
After opening with a 5-4 PK shootout loss following a 1-1 draw towards powerhouse Tigres UANL, the Claret-and-Cobalt discovered one other gear, cruising previous Atlante FC, 4-0, earlier than routing FC Juárez, 3-0, to punch their quarterfinal ticket.
“I think in our last three Leagues Cup games, we played exemplary for 90 minutes,” Mastroeni mentioned.
“And I think that’s the type of concentration and focus [we need]. This game is going to be 95-plus minutes, and my hope is that I’m going to have to rotate quite a few players after this game for the weekend because they are not just physically exhausted, but cognitively spent and emotionally drained. That’s what it’s going to take to win this game.”
That run has RSL believing there might be one thing greater on provide as they enter the single-elimination stage.
Rookie attacker Sergi Solans – who’s as much as 11g/4a in all competitions and contemporary off a contract extension – is embracing each the stakes and alternative.
“There is this feeling that you can win something,” Solans mentioned. “We need to be grateful for where we are right now but also need to enjoy the opportunity and look forward.”
“Clean and confident”
Maintaining that stage will not be straightforward towards a León aspect that is been among the many match’s most spectacular groups.
Los Panzas Verdes have been one among two groups to take all 9 factors in Phase One, becoming a member of Chicago Fire FC. They additionally knocked off two of MLS’s prime sides with victories over Inter Miami CF and Nashville SC, whereas additionally defeating Antoine Griezmann-led Orlando City.
“It’s not just any team. It’s a Mexican team that’s in great form in their domestic league, has beat up on some MLS teams, and here we are,” Mastroeni mentioned. “For me, it’s really a test. We’re going to have to be at our best in all phases of the game. The duels will be critical transition moments. If we can be top in those areas, we’ll have a good chance.”
For Mastroeni, setting the tone from the beginning shall be important as RSL look to take the following step towards a trophy.
“The first 15 minutes will be crucial in this game,” he mentioned. “Plenty of instances it is boxers within the ring they usually need to know what they’re bringing. Are they bringing warmth early? Are they jabbing? Are they ready for the counterpunch?
“For us, I think it’s really important that we’re clean and confident in the decisions that we’re making with and without the ball in the first 15 minutes to really get into the game.”