Real Salt Lake Vs Colorado Rapids: 3 things we learned – RSL roll

Real Salt Lake, Dami Kreilach (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Real Salt Lake, Dami Kreilach (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /
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REUNION, FLORIDA – JULY 12: Zac MacMath #18 of Real Salt Lake attempts a save against Kei Kamara #23 of Colorado Rapids uring a match in the MLS Is Back Tournament at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on July 12, 2020 in Reunion, Florida. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
REUNION, FLORIDA – JULY 12: Zac MacMath #18 of Real Salt Lake attempts a save against Kei Kamara #23 of Colorado Rapids uring a match in the MLS Is Back Tournament at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on July 12, 2020 in Reunion, Florida. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /

2. MacMath replaces Rimando well

Real Salt Lake lost their legendary goalkeeper Nick Rimando at the end of the 2019 season to retirement. This left a void between the sticks, where Rimando had played for 13 years. Entering this season, RSL had a few options to turn to, including homegrown player David Ochoa and recent signing Zac MacMath.

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Thus far, MacMath has been the go-to goalkeeper for RSL. He started both of their matches before the postponement of the season, recording a clean sheet against Orlando City. Sunday’s match was his first real test against a rival. A former Rapids player himself, MacMath was able to defeat his former club and pick up a clean sheet in the process.

Goalkeeping doesn’t appear to be an issue for RSL based on the victory over the Rapids. It was certainly a question entering this season but MacMath was confident, composed, made the saves he needed, and commanded his penalty area well, which is sometimes an issue for less experienced goalkeepers.

This could be a really massive season for MacMath who has not been a regular feature in MLS for the past two seasons. The Florida native might be on the verge of one of the biggest moments in his career in his home state if he can help lead RSL far in this competition.