:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63669749/usa_today_12573689.0.jpg)
Real Salt Lake : Has Real Salt Lake found its preferred backline?
In the last two matches Real Salt Lake has started the same backline. Aaron Herrera, Justen Glad, Nedum Onuoha, and Donny Toia started and played the full match in both RSL’s 2-1 win over Orlando and their 3-0 win in Cincinnati. Is this Real Salt Lake’s strongest backline? In short, it seems like yes. However, this may also have some to do with the matches. Real Salt Lake has played 6 of their 8 games against teams above the playoff lines in their conferences. So Real Salt Lake hasn’t exactly had an easy start to their season, but seeing that this lineup held up against a succeeding Orlando City side is a huge plus. So it’s tough to say for certain if this backline group has just had a little luck in their first few matches together but it does say a lot that with those 4 RSL has a goal differential of +4 and with a different combination, the team was -8. Should we see this same backline this weekend in LA, that will be it’s true test of strength.
Utah Royals FC : Does Utah need to score more goals?
It’s just one week into their season so we aren’t going to start worrying about that too much, but eventually, yes. Last year Utah had the third fewest goals allowed in the league, but also the third fewest scored. In Utah’s short history, the defense has never been the problem. Utah has one of the best defenses in the league, but it’s struggled a little bit to score goals. With URFC playing an opponent that struggled defensively last year, and continues to struggle defensively this year, goals are important this weekend. Orlando ended 2018 with a -7 goal differential, and currently sits with a -7 goal differential. Utah needs to use Orlando’s weak defensive to their advantage this weekend. We had just seven multi-goal games this year, and only five of those were wins, that needs to improve this season. Right now, there’s no need to worry about getting just one goal against the Spirit last weekend, but if the trend continues further into this season, maybe it’s something to look at.
Real Monarchs SLC : What should we expect from RMSLC this weekend?
The Monarchs are heading to Austin this weekend. The road has been a little rough for the Monarchs this season, and Austin has a really quality defense. Although they have only scored just three goals, they’ve only allowed three as well. If RMSLC can find a way to break down a lock tight defense, they can do some good things. RMSLC has allowed 10 goals so they will have to sure up their defense, but at the end of the day, they need to score. RMSLC has had quality defense this season, especially if David Ochoa returns, there's no reason to worry. RMSLC is the better team in this one, it’ll just be a matter of if they can stay focused and break down Austin’s defense.