Real Salt Lake returns from the international break with a clash with a struggling rival.
Real Salt Lake is back after a two-week break during the international window. RSL is hosting rival Sporting Kansas City tomorrow at 7:30 pm MDT. Last time the two sides met, it ended in a 1-1 draw in Kansas City. RSL couldn’t take advantage of a late SKC red card and ended up drawing. RSL has made strides towards a better attack since then, but the defense still has struggles.
Against FC Cincinnati, Real Salt Lake created more chances, but ultimately fell 3-1. Defensive errors mixed with a lack of communication cost RSL the game. RSL had very little momentum and struggled to make anything happen. RSL will need to bounce back as they work towards a playoff spot. Every win counts at this point in the season, and RSL can’t afford any more errors.
Real Salt Lake has one major issue: defense. RSL this season has conceded 36 goals while only scoring 28. RSL has a goal differential of minus eight, and the defense has been leaky all season. Goalkeeper Rafael Cabral has been a bright spot, and his heroics in each RSL win are greatly appreciated. Without him, RSL’s season would be much worse.
Keys to the match: Real Salt Lake vs Sporting Kansas City
- Don’t make careless defensive mistakes: Real Salt Lake gave up three goals against Cincinnati because of careless mistakes. RSL needs to play smart and communicate to avoid similar errors.
- Take advantage of your chances: Real Salt Lake has generated a lot of chances, but finishing has been an issue. RSL needs to be patient and find the best chance, and then shoot the ball while keeping it on target.
- Don’t get lazy: Sporting Kansas City is just two places below RSL, which isn’t that much. RSL must play the game to win for the full 90 minutes and not get lazy.
Overall, this should be a good game for RSL to bounce back. Sporting Kansas City is struggling, and RSL has been in front of this rivalry as of late. Still, nothing is guaranteed in MLS, and RSL can’t afford to get lazy. The game is going to be fun, and RSL has a chance to get closer to the playoffs.
Real Salt Lake will face Sporting Kansas City on Saturday, September 13th at 7:30 PM MDT. That match will be streamed on MLS Season Pass.
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