RSL to face Vancouver, LA Galaxy, Minnesota through September

There’s just a bit more clarity about what’s next for Real Salt Lake after Saturday, with Major League Soccer announcing the next three matches for the club.

Expect some familiar faces.

First, let it be known that we still face Colorado Rapids on Saturday. Nothing has changed there. We’re only looking at the next set of matches that have been announced.

Up first is Vancouver Whitecaps, who will be playing at Rio Tinto Stadium on Sept. 19. They’re essentially stationed in Portland, as restrictions around travel between Canada and the United States, as well as different local rules around COVID-19, makes cross-border play difficult.

Following that will be LA Galaxy, who will be playing at Rio Tinto Stadium two days short of a year from their last regular season appearance at the stadium. RSL lost that match 2-1 in 2019.

Wrapping up this phase of MLS play is Minnesota United FC on Sept. 27, who RSL will be playing on the road for the second time in less than a month. Last time out, RSL lost 4-0, and the memory of that match will likely be prominent.

Reporting from Sam Stejskal and Paul Tenorio indicates that these three matches are a stopgap until there’s more clarity on Canadian teams.