Real Salt Lake: Albert Rusnak and Damir Kreilach give MLS Cup run hope

Albert Rusnak and Damir Kreilach have been leading the way for Real Salt Lake who are eyeing a deep run into the MLS Cup playoffs. Can RSL rely on these two to get them there?

In just three shorts weeks, Albert Rusnak and Damir Kreilach have helped Real Salt Lake earn nine vital points. The duo has combined for nine goals and is giving RSL a huge boost in the all-important month of September.

As the playoffs approach, the two will be relied on to continue their goal scoring ways as they look to secure a spot in the top six.

Currently sitting in fourth, RSL are just five points out of first place but are four points ahead of seventh place, the Vancouver Whitecaps. The margin of error is going to be slim during the final weeks of the season. RSL need these two playmakers to step up offensively.

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There are some massive fixtures on the horizon, with Atlanta United being the first test on September 22nd. After that, Salt Lake will play Sporting Kansas City and the Portland Timbers twice, two rivals at the sharp end of the Western Conference. It’s going to be close on the final day and goal differential could determine which spot RSL occupy in the playoff bracket.

For Rusnak, it was a super sub appearance against the Houston Dynamo on August 18th ignited his recent run of form. He entered in the early stages of the second half and would go on to score two goals in stoppage time to help lift RSL to huge win away from home.

From there, Rusnak has gone on to score against the Colorado Rapids in the 6-0 rout of RSL’s rivals and then two goals and one assist against LA Galaxy the following week. His performance against the Galaxy is perhaps his most memorable as a member of RSL, with his volley in the second half will go down as one of the best goals scored in club history.

Kreilach, similarly, has joined Rusnak as a potent goal scorer. His first career hat-trick was recorded this weekend and the Croatian is showing he can deliver goals, as well as creativity, accurate passing and control, from his midfield role.

Now that these two have burst onto the scene, RSL have two more players who can aid in their MLS Cup run. Rusnak and Kreilach are very capable of continuing to produce moments such as these for the remainder of the season.

If they can show this kind of form in the playoffs, Real Salt Lake are a sleeper team to win it all in December. Do not count them out.