Chicago Fire vs. Real Salt Lake: Preview and How To Watch

Real Salt Lake visit the Chicago Fire at Toyota Park for Week 2 of MLS play. Both sides drew in their first contest. We preview their match-up below.

As Week 2 of the MLS season approaches, Real Salt Lake prepare to head to the Windy City to take on the Chicago Fire. Both teams experienced major roster overhauls this off-season, and walked away with one point from opening weekend.

The match will be the home opener for the Fire, as well as RSL’s first test on the road.

Where To Watch

When: Saturday, March 11th, 2:00 pm kickoff (EST)

Where: Toyota Park- Bridgeview, Illinois

Television: CSN-Chicago, KMYU, MLS Live

Preview

The Fire were able to steal a late goal through David Accam in their visit to Columbus, forcing a 1-1 draw. The result is even more impressive when you consider that the Chicago side was playing without MLS veteran and off-season acquisition, Juninho. The midfielder missed the game on red card suspension from his last match in Liga MX.

Real Salt Lake was able to hold strong in a scoreless draw at home against MLS Cup runners-up Toronto FC. A strong defensive performance against the TFC attack out shined the new look RSL attack’s lack of bite.

Both clubs experienced several roster changes this off-season and are still trying to find some cohesion as they look for their first win of the year.

Mar 4, 2017; Sandy, UT, USA; Toronto FC forward Jozy Altidore (17) and Real Salt Lake defender Chris Schuler (28) battle for position doing their game at Rio Tinto Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports /

Chicago Fire

The Fire were on the defensive from the get go against a potent Columbus Crew attack. Going into the half lucky to be down one, Chicago countered in the second half with some good play of their own. Fueled by a possession heavy style in the middle, the Fire were able to pull a goal back of their own. The addition of Juninho into the starting lineup should help bring even more control into the midfield.

Fellow new addition Dax McCarty looked to be in mid-season form. The former Red Bulls captain helped Chicago dominate possession in the second half. His midfield partner for the Columbus contest, John Goossens, has been added to the Disabled List. Goossens obtained a significant injury to his right ankle in stoppage time, which will require season-ending surgery. He was expected to move back out to the wing with Juninho’s return.

Look for McCarty and Juninho to try and boss the midfield again against the RSL high-press. McCarty and Juninho will have their hands full trying to prevent Real from countering with their speedy attack.

Real Salt Lake

Real showed well defensively in their opener against Toronto FC, thanks to strong play from a veteran back line and some great saves from Nick Rimando. The defense will be relied on again as they look to contain new Fire forward Nemanja Nikolic and speedy winger David Accam.

Their new look offense looked to still be trying to figure things out, ending the day without a goal. RSL will look to improve on their home opener by creating more chances for Yura Movsisyan up front. The club should also have U-20 stars, Brooks Lennon, Sebastian Saucedo, and Danny Acosta back with the team. The trio, along with an injured Justen Glad, helped the US U-20 team qualify for this summer’s World Cup while also winning the U-20 CONCACAF Championship.

This will be the first chance to see how RSL integrates their young stars into the first team.

Next: Gold Cup Schedule Groups Announced

Matchup to Watch

Albert Rusnák vs Dax McCarty

The Real Salt Lake newcomer will go from one of the best d-mids in the league in Michael Bradley, to another in Dax McCarty. Looking to build on his first outing and create more chances for the pieces around him, Rusnák will need to be wary of McCarty throughout the day. Expect to see plenty of battles in the middle between these two.

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