Real Salt Lake will face LAFC twice this week, once at home and once away.
Real Salt Lake is going to get very familiar with Los Angeles Football Club here in the next few days. The match was originally supposed to be played in May, but due to the World Club Cup Play-In match between LAFC and Club America, it was postponed. RSL will now play the Black and Gold tonight at America First Field.
Real Salt Lake is coming off a win at home against rival Sporting Kansas City, 2-1. Xavier Gozo had an assist on both RSL goals, and Diego Luna and Alexandros Katranis scored. Real Salt Lake allowed a late own goal, but it wasn’t enough, as RSL held on. RSL will have a much harder test in LAFC, especially with Son Heung-Min. RSL will have a hard test, but it’s not impossible.
RSL has had some issues defensively, so it was good to see them hold up against Sporting Kansas City, but LAFC will be a different test. Son, mixed in with players like Denis Bouanga and Jeremy Ebobisse, will make for a potent attack. RSL would be wise to kill LAFC with possession and wear them out before launching aggressive attacks. RSL’s offense is finding its groove, and they could be lethal if they play it right.
Keys to the match for Real Salt Lake
- Possess and wear LAFC down: LAFC is good in attack. If RSL can keep the ball and kill with possession, they will be able to both wear LAFC down, especially with the altitude, and limit Son’s attacking opportunities.
- Counter and turn the ball over: RSL has a great counterattacking offense, and they are good at creating one-on-one chances. RSL could defend with attacking and make things complicated and nervy for LAFC.
- Finish your chances: RSL has generated a lot of good chances this year, but many have gone begging. RSL will need to be more clinical with their chances and try to finish more chances.
Real Salt Lake has a tough test coming up this week, and the second match on Saturday makes it more interesting. It will be a team effort, and it is possible for RSL to win. It won’t be easy, but it will be an exciting match. RSL controls its own destiny, and the playoffs are within reach. RSL needs to keep their heads up and stay strong and disciplined. RSL can do it, and it will be fun.
Real Salt Lake faces LAFC tonight at 7:30 PM MDT. That match will be streamed on MLS Season Pass.
More Utah Sports News
- BYU defeats rival Utah, remains undefeated.
- BYU Football Preview: Cougars host rival Utah
- BYU Football scouting report: BYU’s Holy War foe, Utah
- BYU Football Player Spotlight: Talented Kicker Will Ferrin
- BYU overcomes three turnovers, beats West Virginia at home
