Real Salt Lake heads into Timbers country, seeking to keep their unbeaten streak alive.
Real Salt Lake has found a groove. They are unbeaten in four straight, and goals are flying in. Zavier Gozo is finding his form and has two goals this year. Rafael Cabral has come up big time and time again, and Diego Luna is back from international duty. The Claret and Cobalt are feeling good and are on an upward trend.
Against the Houston Dynamo, RSL scored only one goal but had numerous chances. Johnathon Bond saved a bicycle attempt by Ari Piol, but was beaten in the 42nd minute by the former Sporting Kansas City man William “Willy’ Agada. It was a thrilling match, and it was surprising that it ended with just one goal.
Real Salt Lake has one key improvement: attack. The Claret and Cobalt are not just creating chances, they are finishing them. Defense leads to attack, and Gozo and Russel have proven to be a lethal attack duo. The midfield is also clicking, and this has boosted the attack quite well. RSL’s backline still needs some work but is showing some promise. Against the Dynamo, RSL was lethal and organized, not fearing anything.
To beat Portland, RSL will have to stay hungry. The two sides played to a scoreless draw back on May 14th at America First Field. Neither side got much going, and it was pretty slow. This time, both teams have revitalized attacks, and RSL’s backline will be tested. Head Coach Pablo Masteroni needs to emphasize defending as a team in the training sessions and the pre-game dressing room.
Keys to the match: At Portland
- Keep the foot on the gas: RSL has had some great goals lately, but seems to be backing off too early. Against players like Jimmy and Diego Charra, the best way to win is to keep attacking and lessen the chances for the opponent.
- Defend as a team: RSL must communicate when defending. Disorganization and being out of position have cost RSL points. They will need to talk and stay in position as much as possible.
- Counter fast and strong: One of RSL’s strengths has been counterattacking. Goals have come in bunches with RSL’s counterattack. They just need to be careful and not get caught with too many numbers forward.
Basically, RSL needs to be sound in every part of the field: attacking, midfield, and defense. Portland is a good team, and Providence Park is loud, so RSL will need to stay locked in and drown out the noise. RSL is making a comeback, and they have a chance to win again and extend their unbeaten streak. RSL controls their own destiny, and a playoff spot is in reach. It will be exciting, and RSL has a chance to pull within one point of a playoff spot. It all goes down tomorrow.
Real Salt Lake will be back in action tomorrow against the Portland Timbers. That match will be streamed on MLS Season Pass at 10 ET/8MT.
