Put to the test: Can Real Salt Lake secure an MLS playoff spot against FC Dallas?

It's starting to get really hot in Major League Soccer, and Real Salt Lake finds itself at the very crucial part of this 2024 season. The team is sitting in a respectable position in the West, tied for third place, on a 13-7-8 record with 47 points. But nothing is assured. Looking to bounce back from a tough defeat to the Houston Dynamo, 4-1, the team prepares to take on FC Dallas on Wednesday.

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RSL's objective in this encounter? Three points, which not only secure a MLS Cup Playoff spot for the 14th time in 17 seasons but further solidify the team's footing under head coach Pablo Mastroeni.

Time to Come Back

The game against Houston Dynamo was one that really exposed some glaring weaknesses for RSL. It is no secret that Houston has become a thorn in Utah's side in recent years-RSL have won just three of the last 14 encounters across all competitions. The most recent defeat was a painful reminder that there are still gaps to fill if the team wants to reach higher levels in the playoffs.

In fact, the recent history of RSL against Houston was a swath of heartbreak: ousted from the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup and Leagues Cup by the Dynamo, who have served as the real bugaboo for the Claret-and-Cobalt. Now, however, it goes from an emotionally-filled night at the counterparts to the south to redemption on home turf against an FC Dallas team in desperate need of points, and one that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Opponent: FC Dallas

Dallas heads into Wednesday's matchup in desperation mode. The club sits 10th in the West, fighting tooth and nail for a spot in the playoffs. With six games remaining and sitting 10 points off of an automatic playoff berth, Dallas must claw for all the victories they can get. Real Salt Lake, firmly entrenched, now suddenly turns into the critical foe in this battle.

That makes Dallas dangerous out of desperation giving everything on the pitch. Though they've been inconsistent, the Texas team showed in their last affair with RSL that they can catch one off guard. Back in May, Dallas was leading 3-0 before allowing a stunning comeback in the last 30 minutes of play, ending in a frustrating draw—something that surely still weighs on players' and coaches' minds.

The Fortress: America First Field

Coming home is a relief for Real Salt Lake. America First Field has been, without question, a fortress for the team this season, as it has posted 9 wins, 1 draw, and just 3 losses at home in league play. Unwavering support by the fans, who have sold out eight straight matches, has been integral to the club's recent run.

Meanwhile, Dallas will have to navigate a hostile atmosphere, although they won on their last two trips to Sandy, Utah. Still, Salt Lake knows a win is necessary to secure its playoff spot and, quite possibly, fight for a top-four spot that would result in home-field advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

Season Context

Under Pablo Mastroeni, RSL has had a yo-yo season. They started really well, but like so many times in the defining stages of MLS seasons, they've been inconsistent in recent games. Having won just one in their last six league games, Real Salt Lake needs to be consistent again.

The pressure is heavy, but RSL still has an extremely talented and well-balanced roster. The experienced players and promising young talents bring great balance in energy to the team. Even considering the recent loss to Houston, RSL has everything they need to recover. The schedule is somewhat favorable, with four of their remaining six games at home-a setting that could be just what they need to regain control and lock in that much-needed playoff spot.

Looking Ahead

If Real Salt Lake get the three points on Wednesday, that puts them in great position come playoff time. But it's not all about the present. A look to the coming weeks will also serve to assess the team's potential to go on a deep run in the knockout rounds.

Of course, it shouldn't just be about clinching a playoff spot; how the team enters that phase of the competition is important as well. Tactical adjustments, solid defense, and offensive efficiency are all areas that have to be ironed out now while there is time. And it all begins on Wednesday.