What we’re watching in Real Salt Lake vs. Sporting Kansas City

Real Salt Lake have already been eliminated from the 2020 MLS playoffs. Sporting Kansas City are on top of the west, but with Portland and Seattle close behind. KC will want to win this game to hold their grip over the west. RSL could fall to bottom of the west should they lose, so this game is really more about position and pride than needing a win.

COVID-19

RSL have made it though most of 2020 without an outbreak of COVID-19 on the team, until now. On Friday the club announced that a player had tested positive for COVID-19. It seems as though it’s limited to just the one player, but we don’t know who that player is and if more infections will follow. The entire team, and presumably staff, have been tested and it’s unlikely the game could continue if more positive tests followed. If the game were to be called off, it seems likely it would have been announced already, but it’s something to watch.

Nedum Onuoha

The former Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers center back has only been with Real Salt Lake a few short years, but Nedum Onuoha’s impact has been massive both on the field and off. He’s a player who fought for furloughed staff, has worked to help develop young players, and provided leadership on the team.

Last week, Onuoha announced his retirement. Today will be his last professional game. I’m curious how the club and fans honor a player of his stature.

Leaving a good impression

Today is the last the players and coaching staff have to impress potential new owners with their on-field performance. This team is obviously limping to the end of the season, but how they look as a new owner will be purchasing the organization soon should matter to players and staff at every level. It’s not to say that players and staff within the org don’t already work hard, but is that a motivator, especially on the field?

Injury Report

Not medically cleared to play:

Giuseppe Rossi

Chris Garcia

Predicted lineup