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Real Salt Lake vs FC Dallas: Preview and How To Watch

By Jordan Jacobsen

May 28, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; A general view of the setting sun during the second half of the game between FC Dallas and the Houston Dynamo at Toyota Stadium. The match ends in a 0-0 draw. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
May 28, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; A general view of the setting sun during the second half of the game between FC Dallas and the Houston Dynamo at Toyota Stadium. The match ends in a 0-0 draw. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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A struggling Real Salt Lake heads to Frisco for the second stage of their Texas road trip. This time against a hampered FC Dallas side.

Both Real Salt Lake and FC Dallas have to be looking forward to a much-needed rest with the upcoming international break, but they’ll have to wage war first in this Western Conference clash. Last time these two teams met, FC Dallas ran wild at Rio Tinto Stadium on their way to a 3-0 victory. RSL will look for redemption but will have to do so without several major pieces. Here’s what we’ll be looking for.

FC Dallas

May 6, 2017; Sandy, UT, USA; FC Dallas midfielder Kellyn Acosta (23) moves the ball defended by Real Salt Lake midfielder Luke Mulholland (19) during the first half at Rio Tinto Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
May 6, 2017; Sandy, UT, USA; FC Dallas midfielder Kellyn Acosta (23) moves the ball defended by Real Salt Lake midfielder Luke Mulholland (19) during the first half at Rio Tinto Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

Current Record: 5-2-5

Last Time Out: 0-0 Draw against Houston Dynamo

Player To Watch: Mauro Diaz. The Little Unicorn made his 2017 debut last week off the bench and should start this week against a tired and thin RSL side. It’s not hard to argue that a healthy Diaz at the end of last season would have resulted in an MLS Cup run for Dallas, but for now, Mauro will simply look to get FC Dallas back to their winning ways.

Why They Win: In the Texas Derby last weekend, Dallas looked like the far more dominant side in the second half once Diaz returned. However, they were unable to find what would have been the difference-making goal.

Why They Won’t: Dallas have struggled since their nine-game unbeaten run to start the season, and with defenders Matt Hedges and Walker Zimmerman both missing this match, those struggles could continue. It doesn’t help that Kellyn Acosta will miss that as well. Dallas will have to rely on depth for the result, which is always dangerous.

Predicted Starting XI:

Real Salt Lake

May 31, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Real Salt Lake forward Jefferson Savarino (7) reacts after a play during the first half against the Houston Dynamo at BBVA Compass Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
May 31, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Real Salt Lake forward Jefferson Savarino (7) reacts after a play during the first half against the Houston Dynamo at BBVA Compass Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Current Record: 4-9-2

Last Time Out: 5-1 loss at Houston Dynamo

Player To Watch: Anyone who starts on the backline. After an injury-plagued start to the season, RSL still hasn’t been able to right the ship now that the team is approaching full health. The club has routinely allowed early goals and given up chances late all year, which caused GM Craig Waibel to send a message to the team on the club’s radio show. Waibel hinted that the defense needed to show a huge improvement over the next few weeks before the summer transfer windows open, or they can expect to be moved.

Why They Win: While the RSL defense has struggled, the offense has shown plenty of promise. They just haven’t been able to finish chances. With a thinned out Dallas defense looking to keep them at bay, the Real attack could get back to scoring goals.

Why They Won’t: After getting thrashed by Houston Wednesday, RSL will be missing half the starting XI from that match along with the National Team prospects they were already missing. Real could deploy a reserve-heavy lineup like they did against the New England Revolution, which saw them lose 4-0. RSL will look to get back to SLC and refocus on making a run for the playoffs and in the Open Cup with a full-strength squad for the first time this season.

Predicted Starting XI:

Prediction

When: June 3, 2017. 8:00 pm EST

Where: Toyota Stadium. Frisco, TX

Watch: KMYU, TXA-21, MLS Live

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