Real Salt Lake vs LA Galaxy: Preview and How To Watch
The LA Galaxy visit Rio Tinto Stadium to face Real Salt Lake as both teams look to improve on a disappointing first two weeks after busy off seasons.
As conference rivals and two of the most successful clubs in MLS, the LA Galaxy and Real Salt Lake are no strangers to one another. For their 2017 meeting however, both teams will have a different look compared to teams past.
Both clubs experienced major roster overhaul this off-season, and both have parted ways with many familiar faces. The transition has been difficult for each side. Through two weeks neither team has been able to secure that first win, and look to correct that in Round 3 of MLS play.
Where to watch
When: Saturday, March 18, 5:30 pm kickoff (EST)
Where: Rio Tinto Stadium. Sandy, Utah.
Television: KMYU, Spectrum Sportsnet, MLS-Live
Los Angeles Galaxy
After a strong 2016 season, the Galaxy finally decided to move on from the major pieces who had been leading the team for many years previously. The change has definitely had its growing pains. Galaxy have lost both of their matches to start the season, even with both of them being at home. They’ll have an uphill climb (both literally and figurative) as they head to the Salt Lake Valley to take on an RSL team experiencing similar struggles.
LA is likely to be without several key pieces this week. Captain Jelle Van Damme will be absent as he is on red card suspension. Gio Dos Santos, Ashley Cole, Gyasi Zardes, and Robbie Rogers are all out with injury. It will be another makeshift Galaxy squad for this one as the club’s depth will be tested. One depth pieces who could see plenty of time Saturday is Emmauel Boateng.
Boateng made a feast of the RSL defense last season, posting four goals and two assists in their three meetings. The Ghanaian didn’t register a goal against any other team in 2016. Boateng’s speed was a nightmare for the RSL back-line, and it could be just what the doctor ordered to try to get the Galaxy out of their slump.
Real Salt Lake
It’s been a rough start for Real Salt Lake. After holding Toronto FC to a 0-0 draw in the home opener, RSL gave up two fluky goals in their week 2 loss to Chicago. The Claret & Cobalt have yet to find the back of the net themselves, despite showing plenty of promise in both contests.
Real has their own fair share of injury issues as well. The team is once again expected to miss center-backs Justen Glad, Chris Schuler, and Aaron Maund. Designated Player, Joao Plata will likely be out for this one, and Jordan Allen could miss time. Left back Demar Phillips should make his debut, but the back-line has performed very well through two weeks. Phillips will be an upgrade over veteran Chris Wingert, but the attack is where RSL needs improvement.
With Plata and Allen expected to miss time, youngster Brooks Lennon should also make his debut. Lennon was a key piece for the U-20’s in World Cup Qualifying and will look to build on his momentum with the first team. The loanee from Liverpool has a chance to secure more time for himself with a strong performance. Especially if he can find the back of the net.
Next: MLS Fantasy: Match Day 3 Preview
Prediction
This should be a fun one. Both of these clubs have a history, both are in need of a good result, and both will be without key pieces. Look for RSL to end their goal drought over the struggling LA side, as they walk away from this one with a 3-1 victory.