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RSL: Real Salt Lake’s strong form and playoff push continue

By Jordan Jacobsen

SANDY, UT - MARCH 16: The Rocky Mountain Cup is displayed before a game against Real Salt Lake and the Colorado Rapids during the first half of an MLS soccer game March 16, 2013 at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah. (Photo by George Frey/Getty Images)
SANDY, UT - MARCH 16: The Rocky Mountain Cup is displayed before a game against Real Salt Lake and the Colorado Rapids during the first half of an MLS soccer game March 16, 2013 at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah. (Photo by George Frey/Getty Images) /
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Real Salt Lake won big, again, as they continue forward with their brilliant play and playoff push. This time with a 4-1 Rocky Mountain Cup win.

Real Salt Lake came into this week with two must-win home matches in order to keep their playoff hopes alive. They did so with flying colors. After dismantling the San Jose Earthquakes 4-0 on Wednesday, RSL took care of business again, beating the Colorado Rapids 4-1. The two matches were very similar, even down to the starting lineup. Here’s what stood out from the match.

More Relentless Attacking

Real Salt Lake came out with an almost identical lineup from Wednesday’s match, save Sunny who filled in for a suspended Kyle Beckerman. The result was much of the same. From early on RSL’s three-head-monster midfield along with Luis Silva pummeled Tim Howard. Albert Rusnák was exceptional again, creating several chances before and after finding Joao Plata to open up the scoring just before halftime. Rusnák also stepped up multiple times defensively as RSL played down a man for 20 minutes in the second half. Albert’s dominating play has now put him only behind David Villa and Sebastian Giovinco in the Audi Player Rating Index.

Along with Plata and Rusnák’s stellar performances, Jefferson Savarino also created havoc throughout the match, despite not registering any scoring stats. His flashy attack caught Mekeil Williams flat footed in the box, who could only take Savarino down to stop the play. The ensuing penalty kick opened things up for the Man of the Match, Luis Silva.

Silva slotting the pk past Rapids keeper, Tim Howard, marking his fourth goal in as many matches. Silva then got the best of Howard in added time, beating the USMNT keeper in a one on one late to bring the total to 3-1. Silva’s form has been nothing but stellar and has given him a stronghold on the starting forward position thanks to finishing his chances.

Moving Forward

The RSL defense had another strong performance behind the attack, only allowing four shots on goal. The lone Colorado goal came on a broken play that was originally called offside but overturned after a VAR review.

The win puts RSL in seventh place, just six points behind Western Conference leaders, the Seattle Sounders, but RSL still gives up multiple games in hand to all six teams in front of them. They’ll need a little bit of help in order to secure a playoff spot but can only help themselves by taking care of business in their remaining six matches, four of which are against Western Conference opponents who are above RSL in the standings. Since July 4th, only Toronto FC and New York Red Bulls have averaged a higher goal per game count than RSL in league play.

Hopefully, RSL can make the steep climb into the postseason. And if they are able to secure a spot and keep up their playing level, a word to their would be opponents: Watch out.

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