Real Salt Lake are coming off a solid performance from the whole team in Seattle. It was one of the first games this season where the entirety of the squad played well for 90 minutes, and they left the Pacific Northwest with a full three points because of it. Can this team continue that form and get two wins in a row, which would be a first for RSL in 2018?

Back to back wins

This feels like a must win game. Not because of the points, but because RSL needs demonstrate they can build upon their successes. Real is 12 games into the season and has yet to find back-to-back wins. The beauty of the Seattle game was the whole team working together. Maybe it was Sunny, maybe it was Bofo, or Acosta, or perhaps Petke figured out something else, but things clicked. We need to see that again if this team has any hopes of making the playoffs.

Acosta

Danilo Acosta – the boy who assisted. It’s great to have a left back at left back, and Acosta made a strong case why he needs to be on the field. The young academy product blazed up and down the left side, contributing to both sides of the ball. The whole back line looked good, with M. Silva regaining his old form, and Lennon had a good showing as well. Glad has been a constant but it’s worth mentioning that he plays better when surrounded with better players. If Acosta gets the nod to start, this could point to him re-earning the trust to be RSL’s starting left back. There is another game on Saturday, so he could be rested, but he’s young. He should be fine to start.

The number ten

Mmm-kay, so Rusnak is out with his national team starting with this game, and not the Seattle game like I reported last week. That question still stands – who can replace the young Slovakian? With all the talk of Albert wanting a move, or perhaps just positioning for a better contract, whoever steps up in these next two games will show a lot.

Injury Report

OUT
Beltran (knee 10/15/17)
Allen (knee 6/16/17)
Barry (knee 3/10)
Phillips (ankle 4/7)
Horwath (achilles 4/18)
Mulholland (back 5/2)

QUESTIONABLE
Plata (quad 5/12)

Predicted Lineup

Rimando

Lennon, Glad, M.Silva, Acosta

Beckerman, Sunny

Savarino, Kreilach, Bofo

Baird