Real Salt Lake sit 5th in the west on 29 points, whereas the Colorado Rapids are in 11th place on 16 points. Mike Petke will be serving his ban for having voiced his displeasure with the reffing in last week’s match. Real has only one loss and one tie at home this season. Can they extend their unbeaten run in tonight’s game against their oldest rivals in the second game of the Rocky Mountain Cup?

A Petke-less sideline

RSL head coach and local hero Michael Petke was fined $10,000 and given a two game ban for criticizing a missed call that resulted in a goal for MNUFC. This means he’ll be in the stands for this game rather than the sideline. Freddy Juarez will be the man in charge tonight and it will be interesting to see how he runs things from the sideline.

Petke posted a note online saying he would visit supports in the south lot around 6:45pm before the game. It’s a great opportunity to say hi and show support for the coach.

Joao Plata

The Ecuadorian striker is a likely transfer target this summer. He also saved a lot of face for RSL last week, even if he couldn’t salvage any points. When he was subbed on in the second half, he looked hungry. His ambition payed off in the form of two goals, giving RSL a much more respectable 3-2, than a 3-0, defeat. I’m curious to see if he gets the start this week. If he’s on the move, it’s like he does not. There’s no need to risk injury that could damage a sale. He should be in the 18, so if he is used as a sub again, can he bring the fire we saw last Saturday?

Defending

The defending in last week’s game was poor. Minnesota was able to find far too much space in the second half, which allowed them to score three goals. The first goal may have been a bad call after Glad was shoved to the ground, but the defense was already pulled out regardless of Glad going to ground. How can RSL balance a solid back line with an effective attack? With Marcelo Silva out on yellow card accumulation, we could see Barry make his return to MLS play.

Injury Report

Out:

Beltran (knee 10/15/17)

Allen (knee 6/16/17)

Horwath (achilles 4/18)

Mulholland (back 5/2)

Lopez-Espin (knee 6/13)

Horst (achilles 6/26)

Sparrow (knee 7/2)

Yellow Card Accumulation:

M. Silva

Predicted Line Up

Rimando

Lennon, Glad, Barry, Acosta

Beckerman, Kreilach

Savarino, Rusnak, Bofo

Baird