Real Salt Lake is heading to Colorado for the first time this year. Can the Claret and Cobalt start the Cup return?
Real Salt Lake is heading to Colorado for the season’s biggest game so far. The Rocky Mountain Cup is on the line, and RSL can get a head start with a win. RSL has had some success in Commerce City, and they will look to keep building upon it. Real Salt Lake has dominated the Cup with 19 wins compared to Colorado’s five. Colorado won the Cup last year with two wins and one loss. Despite past success in Colorado, RSL’s last win there was in 2023 from a late Diego Luna goal.
RSL and Colorado are both sitting just outside the playoffs, and a win tonight could give RSL a chance to move above the playoff line. Additionally, RSL will be looking to start well to bring the Rocky Mountain Cup back to Utah. Real Salt Lake needs to win to have a shot at the Cup. This is a big game, and the winner will be the team that plays smarter and harder.
Colorado won the Cup last year with a 2-1 win in Utah and a 3-2 win in Colorado, a game that was delayed a couple of hours due to lightning. RSL’s lone win of the series was a double come-from-behind victory, with the final score reading 5-3. RSL can win and there is belief in the squad that they can get it done.
Keys to the Game:
- Stay organized: Real Salt Lake has trouble with organization, especially in the backline. RSL will have to stay in their shape and pick and choose when to press, and when they do, they need to go together.
- Score first and early: Real Salt Lake has four wins, two losses, and one draw in MLS play when scoring first. The Claret and Cobalt can shake up Colorado and quiet the fans early if they score first and fast.
- Keep your cool: RSL leads MLS in red cards. The Claret and Cobalt must remain calm and stay smart to avoid another 10 man situation.
Overall, it looks to be a good game in Commerce City. Two teams that aren’t where they want to be have a chance to get back on track and get a leg up in the rivalry. RSL must win out to secure the Cup, and Colorado isn’t going to make it easy. RSL has the belief and the talent, now can they translate it to a result?
Real Salt Lake will be in action tonight at 9:30 Eastern/7:30 Mountain on MLS Season Pass.
