Real Salt Lake Vs Sporting KC: 3 things to watch for – Rivalry reincarnated

2. RSL Defense vs SKC Attack

We’ve all probably heard the famous quote ‘offense wins games, but defense wins championships.’ Real Salt Lake’s rock-solid defense is yet to concede a goal this tournament, but Sporting KC are a major attacking threat.

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Led by Zac McMath, RSL have looked impregnable. Despite this being the first season without Nick Rimando in over a decade, they have not conceded a goal in this tournament and have only conceded one goal in four regular-season games in 2020. However, they will be challenged by Sporting KC on Wednesday.

For the first time under the management of Peter Vermes, Sporting’s attack outweighs their questionable defense. Alan Pulido and Khiry Shelton have provided two great offseason additions that are already showing early signs of paying off. With Johnny Russell yet to start firing, too, as well as late runs from midfield, SKC have creativity and goals from across the pitch.

It will be hard to break down this RSL defense, but if SKC can find a more clinical, ruthless streak in front of goal and start to convert the chances they create, they will cause problems here.