Wasatch Soccer Sentinel

Real Salt Lake are coming off an impressive comeback win over their main rivals, the Colorado Rapids. They gave up 2 goals in the first 20 minutes before scoring 2 goals in the first half. They then gave up another goal to give Colorado the lead, but stormed back to win 5-3.

Today they play 12th place FC Dallas. Dallas’ start to the season hasn’t been great, having had a 7 game streak with 5 losses and 2 draws. They’ve started to right the ship, with 2 wins, a draw, and a loss in their last 4 games. With the famous Dallas support, can RSL continue their unbeaten run in the Big D?

An attacking identity

For many years, RSL were known as a defensive team, with the attack being a near afterthought. This year, that narrative has switched entirely. RSL’s attack is the best it’s been in a decade and Chicho Arango is 2 goals clear the next top scorer in the league. Luna and Gomez are firing on all cylinders and that’s earning the team real points.

More often than not, a good defensive

RSL’s performance against the Rapids was the worst we’ve seen this year. RSL remain one of the best defensives in the league, having conceded just 14 goals (Cincinnati leads the league with only 11 goals conceded). But the team is coming off a game where they shipped 3 goals, and at least 2 of them were entirely avoidable. Andrew Brody had one of his worst games in an RSL shirt, and 2 of those goals were largely on him. If he’s selected ahead of Quinton, it will say a lot about Mastroeni’s faith in him in that position.

Back spasms

Centerback Brayan Vera is listed as questionable on this week’s injury report with back spasms suffered in training. Vera has greatly improved his playing this season and, despite a few needless yellows, seems to be a solid partner on the backline with Justen Glad. If he’s out, we’re likely to see Quinton at CB, but that leaves a weaker pair of outside backs.

Injury report

Out: Bonilla (knee), Ruiz (knee), Silva (hamstring), Holt (hamstring)

Questionable: Hidalgo (hamstring), Vera (back spasms suffered 5/21/24 in training)

Predicted lineup