Wasatch Soccer Sentinel

Real Salt Lake have lost 5 of their last 6 games. Their attacking swagger of the midseason is completely gone. Since MLS play resumed, RSL have lost 3-0 at home to the Houston Dynamo and lost 2-1 on the road to the Timbers, which caused Real to fall from 3rd in the west to 6th. The Colorado Rapids have been the worst team in the league. They’re last in the table on just 19 points, and this is a chance for RSL to turn things around.

Midfield connection

Since Pablo Ruiz was injured, RSL’s midfield simply is not connected to the attack. Ruiz’s ability to switch the point of attack and play passes through defenders is unmatched in the team, but regardless two of RSL’s big signings his year (Palacio and Ojeda) are midfielders. If the players on the team can’t replace Ruiz, then Pablo Mastroeni’s system has to change. They have a ready made 10 in Diego Luna, and a switch to a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 with Luna at the 10, Gomez and Savarino on the wings, and Chicho up top could help. The fact that the ball into the box for Chicho's goal against Portland came from a center back (Vera), who was shooting, is an indication that the midfield isn't doing enough to create chances.