RSL: Real Salt Lake to build momentum off victory over MNUFC

Real Salt Lake had a strong showing in their 1-0 victory over MNUFC. How much of that will carry over as the team heads to San Jose this weekend?

It was an interesting night for RSL as they returned to league play following the international break and a devastating loss to Sacramento in Open Cup play. It was a mixed result for the Claret & Cobalt, as they had they way with Minnesota for almost the entirety of the match. Their dominant play stood out as the 1-0 final tally did little to convey the team’s performance. Here are three things that stood out from the match.

Play the kids

It was pretty easy to see the immediate impact the U-20 players made in their return, especially Justen Glad. Glad and fellow youngster Danny Acosta both played a large part in the RSL defense shutting down the Minnesota attack, along with Tony Beltran and Aaron Maund. While the sample size was small and the opponent definitely suspect, it may have been Real’s best defensive effort of the season.

Brooks Lennon and Jefferson Savarino both look excellent in their shifts in the attack, along with Sebastian Saucedo who came on late to try to earn the result as RSL shifted to their typical attack-heavy formation for the last 15 minutes. Things will be even better when Albert Rusnák returns from the UEFA U-21 tournament, where he has started both of Slovakia’s contests and registered an assist in his two full 90 appearances.

The youth have definitely proved their worth, making the upcoming transfer window all the more intriguing.

Midfield dominance

Another major reason the defense held up so well came their lack of being really tested. Kyle Beckerman and Luke Mulholland did well in taking the Minnesota midfielders out of threatening positions, and the attacking players ahead of them flowed well together, with fluid movement and purpose. A welcomed change from the rapid-dogs style attack RSL fans have gotten used to over the last few seasons.

The underlying issue for Real still showed its ugly head, however. Finishing. While Minnesota goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth was arguably the Man of the Match despite playing for the losing side, as he did well in keeping the constant flurry of RSL shots from hitting the back of the net.

While the attack showed the promise and bite fans have been waiting for, finishing is still holding the club back from being a force. Hopefully that changes soon.

Shhh……

The relationship dynamic between head coach Mike Petke and designated player Yura Movsisyan has gotten plenty of attention itself. Petke feels Yura isn’t doing enough to merit starts over Luis Silva, Yura feels he should be playing more. It’s as simple as that. While Shuttleworth was stopping would be goals right and left, the difference came when 21 players on the field stopped to argue for against a handball. Shuttleworth mishandled a relatively easy stop, losing the ball at the feet of Movsisyan who chipped it home.

Yura proceeded to celebrate with a shushing gesture before leaving the field. Was it towards the fans who have been critical of his play? Was it toward Petke? Was it simply towards doubters who have lost faith in RSL? You be the judge.

Next: Predicting the Gold Cup roster, Part 1

The jury is still out on Yura. Despite scoring, he missed a few other chances later in the match, unable to get a shot off at all. However, despite being a fluky goal, Yura came off the bench and score, leading RSL to a much-needed victory. It’s hard to complain about that.