Real Salt Lake vs. Minnesota United FC

America First Field | Sandy, Utah

06.24.2023 | MLS Week No. 20 | MLS Game No. 18

8:30 p.m. CT (AppleTV - Free, 1500 ESPN)

Hello, fellow waterfowl enthusiasts! Now that the boys in Black and Blue have had a week to heal the wounds from their trip to Montreal, the squad heads out to the lovely, salty state of Utah to face RSL. It won’t be an easy task to face an RSL squad that has found far more positive results than they had prior to their 1-1 draw with MNUFC on May 27th at Allianz Field. But, in many cases this season, the Loons have shown that they can play the role of “road warriors” quite well when things are clicking. Add in the bad taste that the Montreal match left in their mouths and the boys will, no doubt, be ready to avenge the loss. It may, in fact, be something of a refreshing restart as we enter the second half of the season. Our talisman is back, our bodies and minds have gotten some much needed rest, and we’re within striking distance of a playoff spot. Those three ingredients could be what they need to cook up more ways to succeed for a team that has been in search of tasting more success, more consistently, this season. Hopefully, it’s time to cook up something real tasty and filled with goals.

Minnesota United

Run of Form: L-D-L-D-L (All competitions)

It’s no secret that the Loons didn’t exactly find the results they were looking for in the stretch of games that preceded the international break. The 4-0 loss to Montreal stung; no doubt about it. But, with Emanuel Reynoso (likely) returning to his place amongst the starting XI and the return of defensive stalwart Bakaye Dibassy drawing near, Loons fans have some things to be cautiously optimistic about. Both are important players that only make the Loons more dangerous. Reynoso is a game-changer, and one wonders if the previous run of games like their disappointing 1-1 draw to Toronto and that tough loss 2-1 to Austin may have seen different results with Reynoso on the pitch for a longer stretch (or at all). But, it’s time to leave those in the rearview mirror and accelerate into the second half of the season.

Real Salt Lake

Run of Form: W-D-W-L-D (All competitions)

RSL has found themselves in a slightly better position than the last time these two clubs squared off at Allianz Field. Slightly, as they are now sitting in the 7th seed and above the line for a playoff spot in the Western Conference standings. They have yet to lose in the month of June, after handling DC United for a 2-1 win last Saturday, following a scoreless draw with NYCFC and 2-1 win in Austin prior to that. That could come to an end this coming Wednesday with RSL heading to CITYPARK to take on the upstart St Louis CITY FC. But, regardless of the outcome in Missouri, a well-rested Loons team could have the upper hand when they square off against RSL Saturday night in Sandy, Utah.

Keys to the Match:

Lock It Down

For the most part, the Loons defense has been consistently solid throughout the 2023 season, but the match with Montreal did show some tiny cracks in the armor. Whether the result of fatigue from the stretch of games leading up or some unlucky bounces of the ball, being down two goals just 13 minutes into the match made for a tall task to overcome. And, for a team that relies heavily on the counter attack to create attacking opportunities, it is even more critical for the Loons defense to lock down RSL right from the get-go. Hopefully, with a week to rest and recuperate during the international break, Boxall, Tapias, Lawrence and Taylor (or whomever is in the starting XI) can secure the goal box and keep RSL out of the net early. And, of course, for the whole 90 minutes.

Stretch The Field

The Loons attack is certainly more dangerous with Emanuel Reynoso back in the fold; no debate there. But, one notable weapon in their arsenal that has been lacking over the last few games is the effectiveness of the runs being made by the wings of the defensive unit. Most times, that would be Kemar Lawrence and DJ Taylor, who have both shown that they can be dangerous when running the sideline or making a well-placed cross into the middle of the goal box. Whether it's that opponents have effectively game-planned to thwart those runs or that Minnesota United's outside backs have been pressed into more defensive duty, the Loons have yet to find their most dangerous form on the attack this season. But, with more of the defensive eyes likely to be fixed on Reynoso, more of those opportunities may begin opening up for our outside backs to make more runs, which will hopefully result in more scoring opportunities.

Speed Kills

While fans have little to no say…to absolutely no say…in which players the Loons will put into the starting XI, let’s hope speed is a top priority. With RSL having a Wednesday matchup against a very tough St. Louis club, and our boys having a week of rest under our belts, we may be able to present more of a challenge to a slightly-taxed opponent by seeing the likes of Bongi, Sang Bin Jeong, Ménder García and Franco Fragapane contributing to the attack in some capacity. Having Reynoso in the middle to create more scoring opportunities and take advantage of more attacking runs from the outside backs along the sideline could be key to opening up the Loons attack in ways it hasn’t this season. No doubt, it would put RSL on its heels and unable to account for every attacking player.