Wasatch Soccer Sentinel

Real Salt Lake are back at home after a weekend road trip where they captured all three points in Austin, Texas. Once again, they host the LA Galaxy on a Wednesday night in Sandy, Utah. The Galaxy visited last week and were able to defeat RSL 3-2. LA is last in MLS, and dropping all three points at home was a major failure for Real. But advancing in the US Open Cup is more important than league results right now. RSL are just three wins away from lifting a trophy and Champions League football.

Sava and Gomez

Over the weekend, Jefferson Savarino, who has been linked with a possible move to Fortaleza in Brazil, did not travel to Austin. Right sided winger Andres Gomez came into the second half of that game as a sub, regardless both of RSL’s marquee wingers will be fresh for this game. Against Austin, Gomez did have an assist for Rubin’s second goal, which was crucial in getting all three points since Austin scored in stoppage time. These two haven’t always delivered but they’re amongst RSL’s most talented players and Open Cup hopes are on the line tonight.

The resurgence of Rubio Rubin

Rubio Rubin hasn’t scored all season and then he gets a brace on Saturday. It was a massive game for the forward. His minutes have diminished slightly, but that could be in part due to RSL’s busy schedule and the need for rotation. Will his performance against Austin earn him a spot tonight, or will he be rested? Since neither Musovski nor Kreilach started on Saturday, either or both could get the nod tonight.

Bouncing back

This is such a fascinating game because RSL just lost to the Galaxy. It was a shocking result as RSL had been improving and the Galaxy were (and still are) languishing in last place in MLS. Real needs to change their home form quickly if they want to advance in MLS or Open Cup. LA have the advantage of not having played at the weekend, so they’ll be fresh with RSL fresh on their minds. LA will certainly hope to improve their league play, but their best hope for something meaningful this season is the Open Cup. With Chicharito available for this game, what kind of impact can he have in LA’s fortunes?

Player availability

Out: Farnsworth (thigh), Holt (shoulder)

Predicted lineup