Real Salt Lake puts their five-match unbeaten streak to the test against a surging Cincinnati side.
Real Salt Lake is really cruising. Three straight wins are part of a five-match unbeaten streak that has pushed RSL to just one point out of a playoff spot. RSL defeated Portland in a midweek match, clinching their first win at Providence Park since 2017. Diogo Gonçalves scored the game’s only goal in the 82nd minute off a beautiful assist from Ari Piol. RSL would then defend well and seal all three points, with Rafael Cabral making a few big stops.
RSL had a few solid chances in the match against the Timbers, but just scored one goal. The defense did their part and kept the clean sheet. Unlike with Portland and Houston, one goal may not be enough to beat FC Cincinnati. They have a solid attack with Evander and Kévin Denkey. This will be a battle, and I expect it to be high-scoring. Both teams will have to be sharp defensively and not get caught in transition.
Both teams need to be careful when sending numbers forward. RSL and Cincy are both good at counterattacking and are among the league leaders in counterattacking chances created. RSL also needs to be smarter in the back. Even though their defense is getting better, they still tend to give the ball away in bad spots. They will need to be careful, as Evander and Denkey will be looking for any easy scraps.
Real Salt Lake has definitely shown improvement this year. The attack is coming together, the defense is figuring it out, and young players are getting chances. Diego Luna has paved the way for others like Zavier Gozo to play with the First Team. RSL has a lot of new pieces this year, and they appear to finally be able to play together. RSL has the pieces and can still make the playoffs.
Keys to the match: at home vs FC Cincinnati
- Don’t make silly mistakes: FC Cincinnati has a good attack. Stay organized and don’t give the ball away in bad spots. Keep your focus and don’t get lazy.
- Hit on the counter, but don’t get exposed: RSL is good on the counterattack, but sometimes gets caught with numbers forward. RSL will need to stay smart and keep their positioning and attacks organized.
- Press and press some more: Against Columbus last Saturday, Cincy struggled to beat the press and ultimately lost that match. RSL has a chance to get some goals and force errors with their press.
RSL is going to have a big test tomorrow. FC Cincinnati is a really good team and they have attacking firepower. No lead is safe in MLS so RSL will need to keep the pressure high and strong, and not make silly mistakes. RSL needs to come out strong and score quickly to offset Cincy and get the home crowd into it. They have a chance to make magic happen, and the home-field advantage can be a big helper for them. It’s up to the boys to get it done now.
Real Salt Lake will be back in action tomorrow, July 18th, at 7:30 pm Mountain Time. The match can be streamed on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
