Real Salt Lake: RSL earns 2-1 victory over visiting NYCFC

A well rested Real Salt Lake took advantage in their midweek home match against a resting NYCFC. The 2-1 victory was a much-needed win for RSL.

It was the perfect storm for Real Salt Lake. Not only was there snow at Rio Tinto Stadium, a rested and relatively healthy RSL side took the field, looking every bit up to the task against NYCFC.

Real is now 2-0-0 in the fluffy stuff, and 3-0-0 all-time against New York City FC. Here are some things that stood out from the match.

More Changes To The Back Line

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Demar Phillips was given the night off, which led to RSL deploying a back line of Wingert, Maund, Schuler, and Schmidt. Justin Schmidt saw time at left back as a late sub against New England out of necessity. He showed well in his ninety minutes deployed on the outside, which will probably lead to more time there for him moving forward.

It also opens the door to a potential three-man back line in the future. RSL has gone with three in back multiple times this year, but only for short spurts at the end of games. Head coach Mike Petke mentioned on #OnFrame that he has always been intrigued by the 3-5-2, but more because he likes the idea of having one less defender. It is worth remembering that we’ve already seen, and heard multiple times, that Petke is not married to one formation. Having the option of a 3-5-2 moving forward just adds to the club’s versatility.

Outside of another early goal, the defense looked solid. Maund and Schuler made several key stops, and did well against David Villa and Jack Harrison late. Chris Wingert was much more comfortable opposite of Schmidt. Most importantly, the back line survived the match without another injury.

Plata, Rusnák, and Savarino

Pace, flash, vision, creativity, you name the positive attribute and it was likely that the attacking trio showed it at some point throughout the night. Albert Rusnák continued his dominance in the middle, arguably taking his game a step farther as he completed 14 passes in the final third on his way to registering another goal and assist.

Jefferson Savarino continued to show his flair as well. The quick winger drew comparison to Burrito Martinez’s early games with RSL, thanks to his dribbling and willingness to go at defenders. He found Rusnák on the first goal, and played a key role on several promising attacks.

Joao Plata seemed back to the old Plata. After a few weeks of poor play and controversy surround the speedy Ecuadorian, Joao looked like his old, aggressive, confident, happy self. In the post game conference Petke said he had a sit down with Plata, and was encouraged by their discussion.

The three-headed monster in the midfield stirred up plenty of excitement in their first outing together. Something that already has encouraged RSL fans in regards to the future.

And this happened…

Congrats to Rimando!

Next: U-20 World Cup, what you need to know

Real now prepare to hit the road against a Seattle Sounders side who also have been trying to get back on track. The Sounders also played last night, but were thrashed on the road against Sporting Kansas City. RSL sits just above Seattle in the standings currently, and could continue their climb back into contention with a result against their Western Conference foe and reigning MLS Cup champs.