RSL vs MNUFC: Preview and How To Watch

Minnesota United head to Salt Lake City in search of their first ever road win. They’ll face a struggling Real Salt Lake, trying to turn things around.

It’s been a bit of a rough go for both Real Salt Lake and Minnesota United. Since they last met in April, a match that ended 4-2 in Minnesota’s favor for their first-ever MLS win, both teams have had some wild ups and downs.

The Loons head into the Salt Lake Valley in search of other first against RSL. This time in the form of their first ever road victory. Real Salt Lake have struggled mightily as of late, but have won their last two home matches.

Here’s what we’ll be looking for in this one.

Real Salt Lake

Current Record: 4-10-2

Last Time Out: 6-2 loss at FC Dallas

Player To Watch: Jefferson Savarino. Real Salt Lake will be without fellow newcomer Albert Rusnák (who started for the Slovakia U-21’s today). Savarino is the most likely pick to replace Rusnák in the middle, and the pressure will be on “El Jefe” to bring cohesion to the attack.

Why They Win: Real Salt Lake is finally back to being relatively healthy, as well as having everyone except Rusnák back from national team duty. Rusnák will definitely be missed, but the return of Justen Glad and Danny Acosta should help reinforce a back line that has struggled in their absence. If the defense can shut down Christian Ramirez and the Minnesota attack, it will give Savarino and the RSL attack a chance to be the difference makers.

Why They Won’t: This team has looked very poor over the last few matches. After getting run off the field by the Dynamo, embarrassed by Dallas, and then the reserves getting upset by USL-side Sacramento, it wouldn’t be much of a surprise to see similar mistakes from their Texas trip two weeks ago. Hopefully they found some answers during the international break, but some of those may include similar trends until there are fresh faces in July.

Predicted Starting XI:

Minnesota United FC

Current Record: 4-8-2

Last Time Out: 3-0 loss at Sporting Kansas City

Player To Watch: Christian Ramirez. This will be the first time we see the Loons’ striker after he was snubbed from the preliminary Gold Cup roster, despite having eight goals and an assist in MLS play this season.

Why They Win: After a terrible start to the year, Minnesota has slowly turned things around after getting their beating RSL for their first win. The Loons have won three out of their last five home matches, and earned a point on the road at Houston, making them the only team in the league to walk out of BBVA Stadium with a result. They’ve slowly gotten better, and once again the timing of their match with Real Salt Lake presents a great opportunity for another first.

Why They Won’t: While the results have improved, their most recent road trips could point to a return to old trends, as MNUFC lost to SKC in both league play and Open Cup play by a combined 7-0 scoreline. Losing in blowouts both immediately before and immediately after the international break could take a toll on their confidence.

Predicted Starting XI:

Next: New Winger For The Loons?

Prediction and How To Watch

Two struggling sides looking to save their season will definitely provide plenty of intrigue. Look for the winner to take advantage of mistakes. If there is a winner at all.

When: Saturday, June 17, 2017. 10:00 pm EST

Where: Rio Tinto Stadium. Sandy, UT

Watch: KMYU, MLS Live