What we’re watching in Chicago Fire FC vs Real Salt Lake

Real Salt Lake have dropped below the playoff line but have a game in hand. That game in hand won’t mean much if they’re not able to get enough points to get back into the playoff picture. As the season winds down, they face a Chicago Fire side that has recently been eliminated from playoff contention.

A super-sub

Anderson Julio has been incredible coming off the bench. He’s scored in two out of his last three games, and, interestingly, the only game he did not score in of those three was the one when he started. He’s found a good groove of coming into a game and banging in a goal. If that’s his role for the team, that’s fantastic, but there’s always the question of where he fits when Wood is back. The American forward has recovered from his injury, played for the Monarchs, but has yet to return to play for RSL. Since Julio has been playing as more of a forward and less of a winger, that puts a lot of competition for that spot.

Menéndez

Jonathan Menéndez has been a causality of RSL’s move to a 3-5-2 formation and we’re not seeing much of him on the field. He’s been generally good for the team and it would be great for him to see more minutes, but he’s simply not be able to break into the starting XI recently. What does the Argentinian attacker need to do to get back on the field?

Stats race

Damir Kreilach has extended his single-season goal scoring record, and he’s just a few behind Sabo’s record seeing season. Both Rusnak and Herrera are in the double digits for assists, with Albert having the advantage of 11 assists to Aaron’s 10. It’s a race for all three players and it’s been a joy to watch them all contribute at such a high level.

Injury report

Questionable: Marcelo Silva

Out: Zack Farnsworth