Real Salt Lake Happy As Can Be As Colorado Rapids Clash Looms
Sep 11, 2020, 1:19 PM
Aaron Herrera and Justin Meram joke around during pre-game against LAFC. Photo courtesy: Real Salt Lake
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Real Salt Lake is playing some of their best football in recent memory as the Claret and Cobalt prepare to host the Colorado Rapids this upcoming Saturday.
Confidence High Sky
Since the bubble in Orlando concluded, RSL has managed two wins, two draws and just one loss. The record is magnified considering the level of competition in which RSL has faced over the five games. Portland won the MLS Is Back tournament, Seattle is the reigning MLS Cup Champions and LAFC are the reigning Supporters Shield champs, just to name a few.
The matchup against Colorado this weekend will mark the second fixture between the two sides in less than a month, with RSL scoring four unanswered goals in the first matchup to best their rivals 4-1 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
The improved form is a direct result from not being in the Orlando bubble, according to star right-back Aaron Herrera –
“Not being in the bubble, playing on stadium pitches has been a big help for us, the grass is just better. Mentally the bubble was draining and not having to worry about that has helped us,” he said.
The Meram Impact
Certain players like Pablo Ruiz, Corey Baird and Justin Meram have also found form as of late which has gone a long way in helping RSL play with more confidence.
“2020 was maybe the worst year to try and transition to a new club,” Meram said. “With all of the stoppages and constant unknown in the season, it has been very hard to maintain focus. My wife is now with me here in Utah and that has helped me a lot but having Albert (Rusnak), Damir (Kreilach), Pablo (Ruiz), Everton (Luiz) and those guys central has been massive for me.”
The game of soccer and the world that we currently live in is stressful. Anxiety constantly surrounds us, which is why Freddy Juarez’s first question to his assistant coaches following any team activity is “how were the vibes today?”
Fancy Feet Friday pic.twitter.com/EflDvweZzg
— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) September 11, 2020
The Importance Of Staying Happy
It has become apparent as of late that the RSL players are enjoying their time at the club, specifically, after the penalty against LAFC was awarded in the 78th minute, Justen Glad and Nedum Onuoha conversed and laughed for a matter of minutes.
“Making sure the players are having fun and enjoying their time here is arguably more important that the tactical side of things,” Juarez stated. “I have always said that if and when a player leaves the club I would hate for him to think that he didn’t learn anything and that he didn’t enjoy his time here.”
Happy Friday#RSL | @AFCU pic.twitter.com/oC04tNyamw
— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) September 11, 2020
Game Info
The upcoming match against Colorado is scheduled to kick-off at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 12th and can be viewed on sports.ksl.com or by downloading the KSL TV app.
