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MLS is Back: Group D Preview – The most even group

By Nathan Dunn

MLS, Minnesota United, Adrian Heath (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
MLS, Minnesota United, Adrian Heath (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – OCTOBER 23: Albert Rusnak #11 of Real Salt Lake kicks the ball during the first half of the match against the Seattle Sounders at CenturyLink Field on October 23, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. The Seattle Sounders top the Real Salt Lake 2-0. The Seattle Sounders top the Real Salt Lake 2-0 to win the Western Conference Semifinal. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – OCTOBER 23: Albert Rusnak #11 of Real Salt Lake kicks the ball during the first half of the match against the Seattle Sounders at CenturyLink Field on October 23, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. The Seattle Sounders top the Real Salt Lake 2-0. The Seattle Sounders top the Real Salt Lake 2-0 to win the Western Conference Semifinal. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

Real Salt Lake

2019 Record: 3rd in Western Conference; Second round of the MLS Cup Playoffs

2020 Results: 0-0 draw vs Orlando City; 1-1 draw vs New York Red Bulls

Head Coach: Freddy Juarez

Projected Starters: Zac McMath; Donny Toia, Nedum Onuoha, Marcelo Silva, Aaron Herrera; Everton Luiz, Kyle Beckerman, Justin Meram; Albert Rusnak, Corey Baird, Damir Kreilach

Under first-year manager Freddy Juarez, Real Salt Lake will feel they have a good chance of advancing with a solid defense but will need to see more production on the attacking front if they expect to do any real damage in the knockout stages. With a good foundation to build from the back, RSL will need to be more dynamic and produce more goals to truly be a threat to win the tournament.

This tournament will be the second visit to Orlando of the season for RSL, who grabbed a point on the road against Orlando City in the opening week of MLS in late February. As well as renewing the rivalry with Sporting KC, Real Salt Lake will renew the Rocky Mountain Cup rivalry with the Colorado Rapids to open their group stage on July 12th.

Despite the retirement of Nick Rimando, which forced RSL to find a first-choice keeper for the first time since 2007, Zac McMath has been able to step in and continue to lead a quality defense. Without great offensive firepower, Real Salt Lake will have to be gritty and grind out results, which may eventually take a toll in the knockout stages.

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