Tonight could help.

The linchpin of the RSL attack will play his last game before the final All-Star selections are made when the Columbus Crew visit Rice-Eccles Stadium tonight, and against one of the other top contenders for one of the seven remaining spots on the MLS team that will play West Ham United in Toronto.

"He's incredibly worthy," coach Jason Kreis said.

Morales was not among the "First XI" players voted to the 18-member All-Star team, like Columbus' Robbie Rogers and Frankie Hejduk.

But considering he's already tied for second in the league with seven assists, Morales might be able to strengthen his All-Star case with a productive game tonight - particularly if he can outplay counterpart and league assist leader Guillermo Barros Schelotto and help RSL vault into first place in the MLS Western Conference on its fourth try.

"Enough is enough," midfielder Dema Kovalenko said. "We've got to take it."

Coach Steve Nicol of the New England Revolution will choose five reserves for the July 24 All-Star game on Tuesday, while commissioner Don Garber picks two players. Regardless of whether either one tabs Morales, the Argentine already has made a huge difference for RSL since joining the team in the offseason.

"If he gets selected or he doesn't get selected, he's still been fantastic for us this year," Kreis said.

mcl@sltrib.com

Columbus at RSL

Where: Rice-Eccles Stadium

Kickoff: Today, 7 p.m.

Radio: 700 AM, 1600 AM (Español)

Records: RSL 5-6-5, Columbus 8-4-3

Series: Columbus leads, 4-1-1

Last Meeting: Columbus 2, RSL 0 (July 7, 2007)