This Wednesday night, Real Salt Lake and Minnesota United will clash in a more-than-important duel that goes well past just another MLS regular season match. With each side desperate to keep up the pace for a top seat in the West, the bout promises passion and plenty of intrigue as teams fight for playoff positioning during the 2024 MLS Cup.
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While RSL has already secured a spot in the playoffs, there is much to play for the Utah team. With 52 points and third in the West, Real Salt Lake has the chance to strengthen their position in the top 4 and lock in home-field advantage for the first round of the playoffs. That will require a victory over Minnesota, while continuing to pick up points in the remaining rounds.
Meanwhile, Minnesota United has yet to officially nail down its postseason berth, albeit sitting in the eighth spot at 45 points; it could mathematically do so this Wednesday night with a victory. On a good streak of form, the Loons will hardly make things easy for RSL in Sandy.
Real Salt Lake: Home-Field Advantage and Records to Be Broken
RSL come into this game in good form, unbeaten in their last three matches. Although the 2-2 draw against Austin FC last weekend-somewhat frustrating after giving up two late goals-did showcase, more than anything, how well the team can dominate games. This is especially evident when players like Matt Crooks and Diogo Gonçalves really step up to the mark.
But with 62 goals scored in 31 games, RSL has already broken their record for most goals in a season in club history. And now, the goal is further. If the team can score three more goals in their next two games, they will eclipse the 38 home goals mark set in 2018. That displays some immense offensive power from this team, as 19 different players have contributed goals throughout the year.
Coach Pablo Mastroeni has ample reason to be confident. Not only has Real Salt Lake sealed their 14th playoff appearance in 17 seasons, but they are also chasing the club point-record that stands at 57 set in 2012. With 52 points and three games left, RSL needs just six more to etch a new piece of history.
Minnesota United: Pressure and Opportunity
The situation is a little tighter for Minnesota United. The team sits in eighth place and still needs to guarantee their playoff spot. Recently, with just one loss in their last five games, optimism is firmly ahead of their clash with RSL. The addition of Kelvin Yeboah up front has changed the complexion of things in the team, with the forward scoring seven goals in his first six games for the club. His presence in the pitch has given the rest of the team more confidence to play their game without having the pressure of creating every scoring chance.
With three consecutive away wins on the road, Minnesota isn't fazed by being away from home. Trending upward with play becoming progressively fluid, Eric Ramsay's guidance has the Loons renewed in their confidence of dominating games as they head out West, where they've been consistent on both sides of the ball.