Real Salt Lake
What we’re watching in Philadelphia Union vs. Real Salt Lake
RSL take to the road to face another eastern conference team
Real Salt Lake are coming off a road win in Chicago. They keep their east coast tour going, this time facing a much better team in the Philadelphia Union. The Union are 6th in the east, but played several games fewer than other teams in the eastern conference. They're averaging 1.86 points per game, which would put them top of their conference (RSL have 1.67 ppg). RSL have been on a good run, but this will be a significant challenge.
The supremacy of Chicho
Chicho Arango is having an incredible start to the 2024 season. He leads the league in both goals and assists this season (with a young up-and-comer named Lionel Messi behind him in both columns). He’s been involved in 14 of RSL’s 15 goals this season. He playedsomewhere between a 9 and a 10, which some of called a “nine and a half” (but to me this is just the Harry Kane role).
He’s the focal point of the team and the whole league is taking notice. No matter how long he’s with the team, RSL fans will be taking about Chicho’s time with the club for years to come and it's a joy to watch.
The continuing story of center backs
Marcele Silva and Erik Holt remain out on this week’s injury report, with Justen Glad and Brayan Vera still questionable. New signing Philip Quinton did play for about 20 minutes last weekend, and could very well get a start against Philly. With Hidalgo and Oviedo helping keep a clean sheet, will Mastroeni rely on them again?
Youths
RSL has gotten younger the past few seasons and it seems that the team is in the second year of a rebuild. Andres Gomez struggled for minutes last season and just didn’t look ready, now he’s one of the main attacking forces on the team. Fidel Barajas has been very good in the time he’s had on the field. Emeka Eneli has been incredible in his second season with the team. As RSL's young players develop, the team has only improved.
Injury report
Out: Bonilla (knee), Ruiz (knee), Silva (hamstring), Holt (hamstring), Luna (calf injury suffered 4/20/24 at CHI) Questionable: Vera (hip), Glad (adductor strain)
Predicted lineup
