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Just how good is Real Salt Lake? Evaluating the injury woes

By Jordan Jacobsen

Apr 22, 2017; Sandy, UT, USA; Real Salt Lake forward Joao Plata (10) walks off the field after their 3-1 loss against the Atlanta United at Rio Tinto Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2017; Sandy, UT, USA; Real Salt Lake forward Joao Plata (10) walks off the field after their 3-1 loss against the Atlanta United at Rio Tinto Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 29, 2017; Kansas City, KS, USA; Real Salt Lake forward Joao Plata (10) is tackled by Sporting KC forward Graham Zusi (8) during the second half at Children’s Mercy Park. Sporting KC won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 29, 2017; Kansas City, KS, USA; Real Salt Lake forward Joao Plata (10) is tackled by Sporting KC forward Graham Zusi (8) during the second half at Children’s Mercy Park. Sporting KC won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /

Attacking woes

With all the injuries, Brooks Lennon and Sebastian Saucedo have stood out in their chances this year. Neither would likely have gotten significant time at this point had Plata and Allen not gone down with injuries. While their play has been encouraging, Plata and Allen were both expected to be high-level contributors for the RSL attack this season.

Plata’s form has definitely dipped since last year, not looking like the lethal player who scored nine goals and registered 12 assists. This isn’t the first time Plata has regressed. Following a stellar 2014 season where he broke out with 13 goals and six assists, Joao struggled to overcome injury in 2015, finishing with just four goals and four assists. This season looks like it could be a similar story.

While Lennon and Saucedo have both played well, neither have been at the level Plata reached last season, or in 2014. Both the youngsters are likely to miss time this summer with the U-20 World Cup, meaning the club will need more answers on the wings.

Jordan Allen had arguably the best preseason of any first team player. He looked poised for a break  out campaign, while being played in one position this year, instead of playing all over the field as he did in 2016. RSL will need Plata and Allen to get back to playing at high levels if they have any chance at saving this season.

Next: Seattle makes three goal comback

Moving forward

Despite the injury plague, RSL still aren’t too far out of contention for a spot the post-season, with plenty of time to get back in the race. If the team can get healthy, the club could round out the season with 20 players who have all contributed at a high level competing for 11 spots. A great problem to have. Lennon and Saucedo’s play could allow Jordan Allen to move into the midfield along side Kyle Beckerman as a box-to-box midfielder. A position that could better fit his skill set and ability.

If the club doesn’t get healthy soon, the season may be over by the end of the summer. Leaving the team with nothing to do, but look ahead to getting everyone healthy for next season.

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