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SANDY - Real Salt Lake will participate in the third round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Tuesday night as they host the Wilmington Hammerheads at 7:00 p.m.
Fans may get a chance to see some fresh faces on the field as Head Coach Jason Kreis hinted to media following last Saturday's game that the roster may look a tad different for the match against the Wilmington Hammerheads.
"I think that we have a deep team, I've felt that a long time and it may be time for some other players to step in and contribute," said Kreis.
With 25 players listed on the roster, minus a few out with injury, Kreis has plenty of options. Without knowing who Kreis will play, let's look at some players we haven't seen much of lately that could see some action on Tuesday.
Starting with available defenders, there's always Rauwshan McKenzie and Chris Schuler. Other than one match and one start this season, McKenzie has only been listed as a sub and has been unused in all other MLS games this season.
Schuler on the other hand has seen significantly more time this season having started five games and putting in the full 90 in all five.
I think that we have a deep team, I've felt that a long time and it may be time for some other players to step in and contribute.
–Coach Jason Kreis
But with only those two defenders who we haven't seen lately, it's no doubt that Kreis may have to play some of his regular defenders, unless of course he restructures the field entirely.
Defender Chris Wingert has been out since the DC United game, June 18, where he strained his right hamstring and was still listed as doubtful on last Saturday's game guide.
Now for the midfield and up top.
Midfield/forward Arturo Alvarez is back in town from International Duty service, but may still be questionable as he was listed as doubtful on Saturday's game guide with right hamstring strain.
Nelson Gonzalez could be an option as he has only seen a total of 29 minutes in the last two games. This season, Gonzalez has seen two starts and a handful of other matches where he was subbed on totaling 174 minutes of action.
Forward Paulo Jr. could be an option, but again, was listed as questionable on Saturday due to a left hamstring strain. Paulo Jr. hasn't seen any field action since earlier this season in March and April.
Alvaro Saborio could be available as he saw his first start and play Saturday night since returning from International Duty service. Saborio was a big contribution for his team scoring two of their three goals in the win against Toronto FC and Kreis told media, "this is the beginning of Alvaro's season."
Newcomer this season, forward Donny Toia, has still yet to see any game time this season.
Veteran midfielder Andy Williams, may be taking a rest as he has seen action in the last 12 matches, with significant time in two of the last four.
With the options he has, whatever Kreis decides to do, the fact remains that RSL should have an easy game.
Pending the result of Tuesday's U.S. Open Cup game, RSL could add another match to their schedule and move into the fourth round of Open Cup play and would face either fellow MLS opponent FC Dallas or USL PRO Orlando City.
Email: onlinesports@ksl.com
