Well Real Salt Lake needed to make history if they were going to secure their 3rd result in 7 days as they face 5 matches in 13 days. Despite giving up a early goal, RSL was able to come back and get a huge 3-2 win over Arabe Unido in Panama City. That win makes they just the 5th MLS team to get a Champions League win in Central America. This means with two matches left in group play that Group A looks like this:
|
Team |
Games |
Points |
Win |
Loss |
Draw |
GD |
|
Real Salt Lake |
4 |
9 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
+4 |
|
Cruz Azul |
4 |
7 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
+6 |
|
4 |
4 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
-3 |
|
|
Arabe Unido |
4 |
3 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
-7 |
So this clearly means that RSL is in the driver's seat in the group but with a huge match against TFC at BMO field next week (a place RSL has never scored a goal). Things could get very interesting as the other match next week will be Arabe Unido facing off in Mexico City against Cruz Azul, and you have to believe that Cruz will get another big win over the Panamanian side.
If RSL can get a result in Toronto they would clearly be headed to the knockout round that will kick off next spring, anything less and RSL will need to protect their home turf at "El Castillo" which I have been told is a better name than "Castle Real" when Cruz Azul comes to town on October 19th. This is the point where RSL has to show their resolve about Champions League and keep on playing for wins.
So the next match in our 13 day campaign is Saturday's Rocky Mountain Cup opening match against the Colorado Rapids at "El Castillo" as RSL looks to extend their home unbeaten streak to 24 and depending on the result of the LA Galaxy vs. New York Red Bull match on Friday night, a win could vault RSL back to the top of the Western Conference and in the race for the Supporters' Shield. More on that match coming up today and Friday.
OFF MY SOAPBOX