Wasatch Soccer Sentinel

Real Salt Lake are coming off a hugely disappointing home draw against the Portland Timbers. In a game where they secured a playoff spot, it was a deflating end after the Timbers scored in stoppage to level. Austin are winless in their last 3 games, and sit a full 7 points below the last playoff spot, and they’ll be desperate for a win.

A leaky defense

RSL have conceded 9 goals in their last 3 games. That’s abysmal and it’s shocking they’re second in the west with problems like that. Defending has been an issue for the last several months, despite starting the season strong. They’re simply not on the same page. Against Portland, two of the goals come down to understanding and communication. It seems like we’re a long ways away from the days of Beckerman and Rimando keeping the defense in shape and that leadership is sorely missed.

A lethal attack

On the other end of the field, RSL have never looked better. Even without star-striker Chicho Arango banging in goals, the team is still scoring at a good clip. With Goncalves and Marczuk scoring against Portland, the team is, once again, dangerous from multiple positions. Luna scored his first goal in two and a half months. Both Julio, who is on an absolute tear right now, and Chicho provided assists.

Doing that again, on the road again, in Texas again, might be tougher.

Marczuk

RSL newcomer Dominik Marczuk looked like one of the best players on the field last weekend. He provided multiple chances and even a goal. He’s a young talent, the Polish winger is just 20 years old, but with several professional seasons already under his belt, he showed his quality. The boots left by Andres Gomez are big, but Marczuk might be up for the task.

RSL player availability

Out: Bonilla (knee), Ruiz (knee)

Questionable: Hidalgo (thigh injury suffered 9/21/24 v POR)