What we’re watching in Real Salt Lake vs. Minnesota United

For the second time this season, Real Salt Lake will play Minnesota United. Of Minnesota’s 6 games they have two wins and four losses, sitting in second to last in the west. While RSL also has 2 wins, they have a game in hand, 2 draws and just the 1 loss. The Loons will be without their star playmaker in Emanuel Reynoso.

The keeper

Young David Ochoa will miss this game as he’s with the US Men’s National Team. Ochoa has played every game for RSL since the last match of 2020, which means we’ll see either Zac MacMath or Andrew Putna in goal for the first time this season. MacMath did play with the Monarchs last Friday in their 1-1 draw against Austin Bold. It seems like it was a sign that he will get the start in this game. Zac’s performance was mostly good, though the Bold’s goal was a MacMath own goal. Putna had the stronger performance throughout 2020 but with neither keeper seeing much playing time, this will be a challenge for whoever starts.

Any added fire to this game?

After Real’s last game against the Loons, there were a few sparks. Mostly around Ochoa, who, again, is not playing tonight. But that game was the talk of the league for that week. Minnesota manager Adrian Heath had some strong words to stay after the game, but Ochoa said he spoke to Heath later and they were on good terms. That being said, more players were involved in the post-whistle dust-up than just Ochoa. Will the fiery end to last month’s matchup carry over to this game? Will we see RSL fans singing Wonderwall when this game ends?

Andrew Brody

Brody played at left back in RSL’s 2-2 draw against Dallas last weekend. That setup worked, but not as well when he was at right back. We may see him start on the right, but both he and Herrera are better suited to that side. Herrera, overall, is a better player. Juarez could have Brody play the right since Herrera is able to make up for being on the left a bit better. Even with Brody’s emergence, the outside left is still a challenge.

Injury report

Out: Everton Luiz

Predicted lineup