Real Salt Lake faces a familiar Western Conference foe Portland, seeking revenge for the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs elimnation.
Real Salt Lake is back and looking to end a two-match skid. The Claret and Cobalt will host the Portland Timbers at home, and there is more than three points on the line. The Portland Timers knocked Real Salt Lake out of the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs last year in the Wild Card Round. RSL will be looking for revenge, and there is a good chance they could get it. Portland has only three wins, and only one win on the road. The Timbers are struggling.
Real Salt Lake has a strong attack which is much better than last year. Sergi Solans and Stijn Speirings are strong newcomers while Zavier Gozo and Diego Luna are mainstays that have kept the team going. This is a fun team to watch, and goalkeeper Rafael Cabral has kept them in games as well as protected key leads. While the defense has struggled, they have been getting better each match.
Real Salt Lake has always enjoyed a strong home field advantage, with both a loud crowd and high elevation. Porltand will have to adapt, and the Claret and Cobalt should take advantage of the Timbers’ heavy legs late in the match. RSL also would be wise to score early in order to get the crowd into it. Overall, RSL is the heavy favorite today, and the 2:45 PM MDT kickoff is favorable.
Real Salt Lake takes on the Portland Timbers today at 2:45 PM MDT at America First Field. The match will be broadcast on FOX or MLS on Apple TV.
