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Real Salt Lake vs Atlanta United: Preview and How To Watch

By Jordan Jacobsen

Mar 4, 2017; Sandy, UT, USA; A general view of Rio Tinto Stadium during the first half of the match between Real Salt Lake and Toronto FC, which ended in a scoreless draw. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Sandy, UT, USA; A general view of Rio Tinto Stadium during the first half of the match between Real Salt Lake and Toronto FC, which ended in a scoreless draw. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /
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Atlanta round out their four-game road trip with their first ever visit to Rio Tinto Stadium, where they will face an RSL side who is undefeated under Petke.

Real Salt Lake will host MLS newcomer Atlanta United in their first ever meeting. It’s been a wild ride for both teams so far this season. RSL have won their last two contests under new head coach Mike Petke. The road grind seems to be wearing on Atlanta, who haven’t won in three matches. Here’s what we will be watching for in the cross-conference clash.

Atlanta United

Apr 15, 2017; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Atlanta United forward Kenwyne Jones (9) reacts with teammate Miguel Almiron (10) after scoring a goal against the Montreal Impact during the first half at Stade Saputo. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2017; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Atlanta United forward Kenwyne Jones (9) reacts with teammate Miguel Almiron (10) after scoring a goal against the Montreal Impact during the first half at Stade Saputo. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports /

Current record: 2-2-2

Last time out: Loss at Montreal, 2-1.

Player to watch: Miguel Almiron. Atlanta is definitely missing the services of attacker Josef Martinez. While United have played well on the road, they’ve only managed a three shots on goal average with his absence. The club averaged double that amount with six per game before Martinez went down with a quad injury playing for the Venezuelan National Team. Look for designated player Miguel Almiron to step up and help the club earn another tough result on the road.

Why they win: Atlanta have earned two points in three games on their road trip thus far. Giving up a late goal last week against Montreal, after playing a man down for the entire second half, felt like one that got away. Especially considering the Gonzalez Pirez red card was later rescinded.

The club has played well overall on their stint away from Bobby Dodd, but haven’t been able to earn a win.  United will have to get the attack back on track in order to earn points on the road. Playing at Rio Tinto is a formidable task for visiting opponents, but results have been easier to come by compared to years past. If Atlanta can get back to scoring goals, they can steal a point on the road against their Western Conference opponents.

Why they won’t: Real Salt Lake seem to finally be getting healthy, and Atlanta’s defense could be in for a long day if RSL replicate their last outing at the RioT. While snow isn’t in the forecast, the Real attack took things to Vancouver in the first half before scoring three second half goals in the fluff. Atlanta has seen two red cards in as many games, and continued defensive mistakes could see them go down early against RSL’s speedy attack.

Predicted Starting XI:

Real Salt Lake

Apr 15, 2017; Commerce City, CO, USA; Real Salt Lake forward Brooks Lennon (27) kicks the ball during the second half against the Colorado Rapids at Dicks Sporting Goods Park. Real Salt Lake won the game 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2017; Commerce City, CO, USA; Real Salt Lake forward Brooks Lennon (27) kicks the ball during the second half against the Colorado Rapids at Dicks Sporting Goods Park. Real Salt Lake won the game 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

Current Record: 2-3-2

Last time out: A late 2-1 win at Colorado.

Player to Watch: Chris Schuler. The RSL defense has been injury plagued all season. Chris Schuler has made five appearance so far for the Claret & Cobalt this season, in which RSL have only allowed three goals. Two of those came a man down against the LA Galaxy. In the two matches without Schuler in the back, RSL gave up a total of six goals. Look for Schuler to hold down the back line and to match up often against Kenwyne Jones.

Why they win: RSL is finally getting closer to full strength for the first time this season. The club also looks to be turning the page with Mike Petke at the reins. Despite winning against Colorado, Real looked to take a step back from their strong showing against Vancouver and will look to return to form against Atlanta. With veteran starters Aaron Maund and Joao Plata looking to return to action, RSL should come out swinging both in the attack and defense. Real have scored five goals in two games while only allowing one goal, and will look to build on their recent success.

Why they won’t: For about 75 minutes against Colorado, RSL looked like the old RSL that spiraled down the standings last season and stalled to start the year. The attack struggled to get things going and the defense gave up a goal with poor coverage on a counter. The team was able to rally back, but against a stronger opponent like Atlanta United, defensive mistakes and a tepid attack could cost them the result. If RSL comes out like they did against the Rapids, the honeymoon phase with Petke could finally come to a close.

Predicted Starting XI:

Score Prediction

Next: Week 7 MLS Power Rankings

How to Watch:

Where: Rio Tinto Stadium. Sandy, Utah
When: Saturday, April 22. 9:30 EST
Channel: KMYU, FOX Sports Southeast, MLS Live

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