Real Salt Lake is paying their second visit to Music City on Saturday. RSL lost to Nashville last time, but this could be different.
Real Salt Lake is heading to Nashville for the second time. The Claret and Cobalt will head to GEODIS Park to face Nashville SC for the fourth time in club history. Last time out, the Claret and Cobalt lost 2-0 and handed the Boys in Gold and Blue their first win at GEODIS Park. RSL has definitely had a lot of changes since and Head Coach Pablo Mastroeni has this team looking better.
RSL’s last match was against the LA Galaxy at home. RSL got two first-half goals from Diego Luna before playing a slower second half. Luna was in the right place at the right time twice and RSL held the Galaxy to just one shot on goal. RSL relied on a late save by goalkeeper Rafael Cabral to see out the game. This is one of the best performances against the Galaxy in a while.
Nashville SC proves to be a difficult opponent for RSL. The attacking duo of Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge will prove to be a tough challenge for the RSL backline. They are fast and agile, throwing opposing defenses into confusion and scoring great goals. Also, Nashville’s goalkeeper, Joe Willis is a wall in goal, saving several good shots against Charlotte FC.
Real Salt Lake has some weapons of their own. Diego Luna is a proven goalscorer, scoring six goals in the first three matches this season. Luna has a knack for being in the right place at the right time. Braian Vera and Pablo Ruiz have absolute cannons for legs, and Justen Glad is quite good at headers.
RSL’s midfield is getting better. RSL plays with two defensive midfielders and three attacking midfielders. RSL’s midfield has shown improvement from earlier in the season, and Diego Luna’s success is proof of that. The midfield is getting better at transition and creating more counterattacking opportunities for the forwards. RSL could have several goals against Nashville if this upward trend continues.
The wins would not be possible without Rafael Cabral in goal. He has started all 7 matches and made 22 saves. Cabral is also a master at intercepting crosses and getting to dangerous balls before they become a problem. Cabral is looking like the next RSL starting keeper and was key in every RSL win. Of course, the backline has improved, with Justen Glad and Braian Vera protecting the middle and Hildago and Katranis on the wings. The team as a whole has a lot of potential this season and it’s only a matter of time before they get good.
Keys to the match: at Nashville SC
- Keep the energy up and quiet Nashville: Real Salt Lake has good energy. When the Claret and Cobalt are feeling good, they can score a lot better. Nashville SC is a good team with a great home atmosphere. RSL will need to score quickly to deflate the home energy.
- Don’t be careless with the ball: RSL has problems with ball possession, especially in their own half. This can get them in trouble and needs to be prevented to keep Surridge or Mukhtar from getting an easy goal. This is key as Nashville will be looking to pounce on any opportunity.
- Work as a team: RSL is building chemistry and looks good when they play together. If everyone is communicating and keeps the shape, RSL will do well. Players need to remember their roles and stay in position, it will be a good night for RSL.
Real Salt Lake has a tough test on the road tomorrow. The Claret and Cobalt will need to have their heads up and stay alert, ready to pounce on any Nashville errors. If the Claret and Cobalt can come out energized, play smart with the ball, and work together, they will have a good chance to come out on top. The future is bright, and RSL has a chance to seize it.
