Real Salt Lake Embark On 2021 Season With Road Test Against Minnesota United
Apr 23, 2021, 8:14 PM | Updated: 8:15 pm
Pablo Ruiz scores the equalizer against Seattle Sounders with remarkable long range shot. (Photo courtesy of Real Salt Lake)
(Photo courtesy of Real Salt Lake)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The time has come. Real Salt Lake fans can finally watch their beloved club take the field and hopefully wipe the pain of a year ago away.
It has been a long year for RSL. The pandemic, ownership, and leadership scandals, led to poor results in a year that would like to be forgotten. But this weekend, against Minnesota United, their 2021 campaign begins and the anticipation is exhilarating.
The club lost key leaders in Kyle Beckerman and Nedum Onuoha but acquired creative and entertaining attackers in Rubio Rubin and Anderson Julio with Bobby Wood on his way.
Ready to get things started tomorrow pic.twitter.com/PsFWCvfpTr
— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) April 23, 2021
The fan base has been reinvigorated and the fixture against Minnesota United will be a welcome relief to many around the state of Utah and beyond.
Furthermore, the anticipation is heightened following a successful preseason campaign in Tucson, Arizona that saw the club take home the Visit Tucson Sun Cup after victories against Colorado Rapids and Phoenix Rising.
Manager Freddy Juarez is entering his second year and admits that many lessons were learned throughout his debut campaign, lessons he hopes to learn from.
RSL has not lost a season opener in 11 years, if they can pinch a draw, or even better yet, steal three points against Minnesota it will be the 12th consecutive year that RSL enters their second game with at least one point.
The Loons
Minnesota United is no easy task, however, RSL will be tested throughout their opening game of the season despite last week’s result that saw the Loons fall on the road to Seattle Sounders 4-0.
Emanuel Reynoso is a key playmaker and proven commodity who can take over games. His dribbling ability is world-class and can often open up defenses with his ability and go on to finish with sensational shooting.
Fast facts about the Loons#RSL | @AFCU pic.twitter.com/A17nwk4bfu
— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) April 24, 2021
He is joined alongside Robin Lod who is coming off a season that consisted of seven goals and five assists. The addition of Wil Trapp boosts their midfield that was ran last year by Albert Rusnak’s international teammate Ján Greguš.
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Manager Adrian Heath is a talented and experienced manager that has revolutionized Minnesota United.
Over the years, Minnesota has controlled the battle between them and RSL. Minnesota has won four games while RSL has only won once, and never in Minnesota.
Could this be the year that RSL changes its fortunes and edges the Loons away from home? All eyes will be on Minnesota and RSL which is scheduled to kick off at 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 24th.
The game can be streamed for free on the KSL 5 TV app and on sports.ksl.com.
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