Real Salt Lake: Three Storylines To Watch This Weekend vs. NYRB

Following the dismissal of coach Jeff Cassar just three games into the season, Real Salt Lake go on the road with a tough task at the New York Red Bulls.

It’s been a wild week for Real Salt Lake to say the least. Following a disappointing start to the year, the team has dismissed Jeff Cassar, the injury bug is still rampant, and the team will be without several key pieces.

RSL looks to right the ship this week, but will go on the road to face a strong Red Bulls side who have gone unbeaten at home in their last 15 contests. Here are three storylines to watch.

Mar 4, 2017; Sandy, UT, USA; Real Salt Lake assistant coach and director of goalkeeping Daryl Shore prior to the match against Toronto FC at Rio Tinto Stadium. The match ended in a scoreless draw. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

How much will Daryl Shore change?

It’s only been a few days since the club chose to move on from Jeff Cassar. Shore has had head coaching experience in the past, leading the Fort Lauderdale Strikers of the NASL for three years before coming to RSL as an assistant. With such the short turnaround from Cassar’s dismissal, it wouldn’t be surprising for Real to keep many of the same formation and tactics going into the next match.

However, keeping things the same is something that simply has not been working. Real has really struggled to find the back of the net. Following a thrilling 3-3 draw against the Galaxy last September, the Claret & Cobalt have only scored a total of four goals in all of MLS competition, including one against LA in last years playoff showdown.

With such a poor run of form, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Shore start shaking things up right from the beginning. Maybe a new formation? Tactics? Style of play? It remains to be seen, but as with the dismissal of Cassar, something needs to be shaken up.

Mar 18, 2017; Sandy, UT, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy defender Dave Romney (4) tries to keep Real Salt Lake midfielder Sebastian Saucedo (23) from getting to the ball during the first half at Rio Tinto Stadium. Los Angeles Galaxy won the game 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports /

Who fills in for Rusnák?

Albert Rusnák has been one of the lone bright spots through the three contests so far. His performances have led to a call-up with the Slovakian National Team for World Cup Qualifying, meaning he will miss this road match. Replacing Albert and his production will be no small task.

Last year saw Jordan Allen and Luke Mulholland both fill in for Javier Morales in the middle on occasion, but Allen will miss this match due to injury and Mulholland will likely start again deeper in the midfield. Luke had one of his best games for RSL last week starting along side Kyle Beckerman.

With Beckerman missing this match for a red card suspension, Luke is also more likely to stay deeper in the midfield. Should he be bumped up into the attack look for Sunny and Omar Holness to start together with the task of protecting the back-line and linking play.

Luis Silva could be the easy option to slot in for Rusnák. Silva has always been more of an attacking player, and regularly started in the attack for DC United and Real before moving to Tigres two seasons ago.

Silva could also start on the wing, giving Bofo Saucedo a chance to be the man in the middle. Saucedo showed great vision and creativity last week starting on the wing against the Galaxy, and could do well pulling the strings in the attack between Silva and Brooks Lennon, or maybe even Ricardo Velazco. Having Saucedo in the middle seems to be the best way for RSL to start scoring goals and keeping possession.

Fellow youngster and rookie Jose Hernandez filled in for Rusnák at times during the preseason, and could also make his MLS debut.

Mar 18, 2017; Sandy, UT, USA; Real Salt Lake defender Justin Schmidt (6) heads the ball away from Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Jermaine Jones (13) during the second half at Rio Tinto Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports /

Center-back Roulette

Three weeks into the season and RSL has yet to start the same back line two games in a row. Tony Beltran and Demar Phillips look like locks to start at fullback for the second consecutive week, but who starts between them remains a mystery. Justen Glad, David Horst, and Aaron Maund are all still listed as questionable. With Nick Rimando missing this game for World Cup Qualifying, the defense won’t have much leeway for mistakes. Missing Rimando and Beckerman means the defense will see additional pressure.

Justin Schmidt and Chris Schuler could be the first center-back pairing to get a second start together, but Aaron Maund could also slide in next to Schuler if he is healthy enough to go. Whoever starts will have to deal with 2016 Golden Boot winner Bradley Wright-Phillips.

If RSL is going to be able to earn a result in their tough road contest, especially with the missing pieces in the attack, it will depend on the defense’s ability to prevent Red Bulls from scoring and controlling possession. Goalkeeper Matt Van Oekel should start for Rimando and will do his best to keep Red Bulls off the board, but could be in for a long MLS debut if the back line in front of him struggles.

Next: NY Red Bulls vs. Real Salt Lake: Preview and How to Watch

Prediction

It won’t be a surprise if this one is a little rough. With Real missing several key pieces and going through a transition, it’s easy to see this one not going their way. However, before going a man down last week, for the first 45 minutes against the Galaxy it looked like RSL had turned the page.

If they are able to build on that momentum the team could have a chance to earn at least a point on the road. At the same time, the way things are going, if the club can score a goal or two would be a victory in itself.

Prediction: RSL becomes the next victim in Red Bull’s home unbeaten streak, falling 2-0.

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