Photo by Howard C. Smith/ISIphotos.com
Few teams in Major League Soccer are as in-form as Real Salt Lake, which is on a four-game winning streak and is within striking distance of catching the Los Angeles Galaxy and capturing the Supporters' Shield. The club is also on the verge of getting its playmaker back.
According to various reports, Argentine midfielder Javier Morales traveled with RSL for its games against the New York Red Bulls and D.C. United this week, and while it's not a certainty that he'll play in either of those matches, his inclusion for the trip is a definitive step forward in his return from a broken ankle.
Morales has been out since May 7, when a challenge from behind by Chivas USA's Marcos Mondaini forced him to the sidelines for the last four months. He has since returned to training while working his way back to full strength and fitness and is evidently closer to returning ahead of the original timetable that had him starting his comeback in October. If Morales doesn't play this week, RSL's following match is a home bout with the Chicago Fire on Sept. 28 — a game that directly precedes the team's final regular-season matchup with Los Angeles.
What do you think of this development? Do you think Morales' pending return makes RSL the team to beat, or is Los Angeles (or another team) still your MLS Cup favorite?
Share your thoughts below.