Real Salt Lake Vs Minnesota United: 3 things we learned – Honors even

1. All to play for in Group D

Following Friday’s results in Group D, there are three clubs who are in a great position to advance in this tournament. For Real Salt Lake, Minnesota United, and Sporting KC it will be all to play for on the last matchday of the group.

Salt Lake vs. SKC is the most intriguing of the remaining matches in this group. SKC were excellent against Minnesota but lost and then squeezed past the Rapids on Friday. They could make a deep run into the knockout rounds. RSL, meanwhile, are left in a decent position after the draw against Minnesota. Even if they do lose to SKC, they should be able to advance as either a second-place or third-place team.

Minnesota, much like RSL, also benefitted from the draw. They have four points and only need a draw against the Rapids to make it to the next round. With the Rapids struggling, they will certainly go for all three points with the opportunity to top the group. They appear to be in the best position out of all four clubs ahead of the last matchday.

At the moment, second place in the group might actually be the spot these clubs don’t want to finish in. The second-place club in Group D would have to face the winners of Group E. Currently, the Columbus Crew are leading Group E and have been one of the most impressive teams thus far. If the third-place team in Group D qualifies for the knockout phase, they could end up playing either the winners of Group A or B depending on how things finish up in the other groups.

Group D is going to be one of the most exciting final matchdays. There are three clubs who could still win the group and all four can still qualify, just. It is going to be a must-watch day of action.