Minnesota United plays host for their second ever time in the MLS, this time against Real Salt Lake.
Minnesota United and Real Salt Lake are heading in two different directions right now. On one hand we have Minnesota, a team that has shown that they can score goals, scoring six in their first four matches, but has allowed teams to score on them for fun, conceding 18 times so far this season. On the other hand we have Real Salt Lake, who has shown that they can defend incredibly, especially last weekend away against the New York Red Bulls. Their only problem is that they can’t score a goal to save their life with only one goal in their first four games.
Both teams here have a great chance at getting a result from the weekend.
Real Salt Lake
As we talked about earlier, RSL has scored once this season, with their only goal coming against the LA Galaxy in a 2-1 loss. With the appointing of Mike Petke as head coach, the club looks to hopefully be more creative moving forward and capitalize on opportunities in front of goal, especially against a Minnesota side that, on average, have let in 4.5 goals per game.
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RSL can’t do this in expense of its defense, though. So far, Real Salt Lake has one of the best defenses in the league, averaging only one goal per game. If they can replicate the defensive performance they had against the New York Red Bulls last weekend and take advantage of Minnesota’s questionable backline, RSL could easily come back from Minnesota with all three points.
Minnesota United
With the influx of players that Minnesota was missing last weekend due to international duty, the Loons look to hopefully have a first choice team on the field. Though they may not go 90 minutes due to to such a congested schedule from international games and now the game against RSL, it will be important that players like Johan Venegas and Kevin Molino see time on the field to try and break down a stingy RSL defense.
The biggest question for Minnesota is whether or not their defense will be able to hold off the RSL front line. Even though they have only scored one goal so far, Minnesota hasn’t played a game where they have conceded less than two goals this season. The only way Minnesota has a chance at getting a result out of this game will be if they are capable of keeping a shutout.
Next: MLS: All the Goals from Week 4
How to Watch
Kickoff- Saturday, April 1, 8pm EST (5pm PST)
Minnesota- MY 29 Minnesota
Utah- KMYU Utah