Real Salt Lake vs. FC Dallas: 10 Bold Predictions
Oct 5, 2013; Sandy, UT, USA; Real Salt Lake fans react to a goal by forward Alvaro Saborio (not pictured) during the second half against FC Dallas at Rio Tinto Stadium. The game ended in a 1-1 draw. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
A number of familiar faces for Jeff Cassar’s Real Salt Lake will be away due to national team duty: Javier Morales, Alvaro Saborio, Nick Rimando and Kyle Beckerman. This means that Oscar Pareja’s FC Dallas have a golden opportunity to take advantage of the lack of punch RSL has in their lineup. But can they grab the lion by the tail, swing it around and send it out of Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah?
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. MT/8:30 p.m. CT/9:30 p.m. ET and will be televised by MLS LIVE. Here are 10 Bold Predictions for the match between Real Salt Lake and FC Dallas.
1. At least 35 fouls, under five cards
The man in the middle for this match will call a tight one. At least 35 fouls will be whistled and under five cards will be issued.
2. Jeff Attinella with at least four saves
With Rimando out, backup goalkeeper Jeff Attinella is out to prove that he is a worthy backup. Attinella will make at least four saves.
3. At least four saves from Raul Fernandez
Meanwhile, on the other end, Raul Fernandez will come up with big saves for FC Dallas. Fernandez, who has 15 saves to his credit this year will make at least four stops on the night at the RioT.
4. Luke Mulholland will score for Real Salt Lake
Luke Mulholland, this season, has three goals and two assists. Against FC Dallas, Mulholland will score his fourth goal of the season. Watch out for that.
5. Here comes Joao Plata
Joao Plata is Real Salt Lake’s leading goalscorer with six goals and three assists. Plata’s speed and shooting ability will be important as he gets in on goal in the second half.
6. Tesho Akindele’s hotstreak continues
Tesho Akindele will get in on goal late in this game. The rookie out of Colorado Mines will look to make it two goals in as many games today agaoinst RSL.
7. Jair Benitez will score an assist
This season, Jair Benitez has three assists and added to his collection on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Galaxy. Benitez will get another assist on Saturday on the road against Salt Lake.
8. Je-Vaughn Watson will score
FC Dallas have a number of players that can score, and one of them is Je-Vaughn Watson, who has three goals to his record this year. Watson will stay onside for his fourth this weekend.
9. Fabian Castillo proves all the difference
As for Fabian Castillo, he has the chance to be a difference maker. With three goals and an assist to his credit this season, Castillo needs to take advantage of Dallas playing with a handycap. Castillo gets an assist in this match.
10. This match will end in a draw
It’s going to be a tough test at Rio Tinto Stadium, but both Real Salt Lake and FC Dallas will play to a draw on Saturday. This will be more bad news for Dallas, who see their winless streak extend by another game. As for RSL, well…this is no fur off their backs. No big names, no problem. At Real Salt Lake, as Jason Kreis once said, “the team is the star.”
Real Salt Lake 2, FC Dallas 2