Real Salt Lake heads to California to face a struggling LA Galaxy side. Can they escape with all three points?
Real Salt Lake was so close to winning a match. With just a few minutes left in stoppage time, the Claret and Cobalt had a 1-0 lead. The Claret and Cobalt have been here before, and it seems to be the same story again and again. Real Salt Lake now heads to Carson, California, to take on the LA Galaxy. The Galaxy are winless in their first 16 matches, drawing four and losing twelve.
The Galaxy has not had their way. The sixteen-game winless streak is tied for the third worst in MLS history. RSL has a chance to pounce on a struggling opponent this week, but must be wary. The alarm bells are ringing, saying this could be a trap game. RSL is down on its luck as well, posting a 4-3-9 record in 2025. Still, it should be noted that RSL did beat the Galaxy in Sandy 2-0 on Matchday 7.
Real Salt Lake has one big issue: finishing games. They had an early 2-0 lead at home against Vancouver and lost 3-2. Last Wednesday, they led 1-0 in Austin and drew 1-1. It appears that RSL has struggled to protect leads, and these two results serve as proof of that. RSL needs to stay alert defensively and avoid complacency near the end of matches. RSL is close to finding success, and they just need to find a way to stay alert all game.
Keys to the game: At LA Galaxy
- Stay aggressive: The LA Galaxy is struggling. RSL has a chance to pick up a nice win, but they will need to stay on the front foot to get it. RSL cannot get complacent and must be aggressive for 90 minutes.
- Beware the trap game: RSL already gave a winless team their first win: Toronto. LA will be licking their chops and wanting the same for themselves. RSL cannot underestimate the Galaxy and must stay focused.
- Find other ways to score: RSL has been reliant on Diego Luna to score the goals. Everyone else must step up and help contribute to the scoring. RSL’s attack has become too one-dimensional, and it needs to be more unpredictable.
In the end, RSL has a chance to win a game. RSL has the pieces and the belief, but lacks the chemistry. If they begin to figure each other out and get used to each other, they can get big results when they are needed. Despite the struggles, this team is only five points below the playoff line and has a chance to turn things around. It won’t be easy, but if the Claret and Cobalt stay aggressive, focused, and find other ways to score, it could be a win.
