Real Salt Lake Returns From Bye With Increased Energy On Training Pitch

SALT LAKE CITY – Real Salt Lake has returned to the training pitch with an increased level of energy and enthusiasm, according to manager Pablo Mastroeni who addressed the media for the first time in a week and a half this afternoon.

The players received four days off last week and many were seen via social media spending time with family and away from the training facility. Last Friday, the players returned for their first training session back as preparations began ahead of this weekend’s home clash with San Jose.

“Everybody has been looking really bright. The energy, the quality in training has been tremendous and it is a really great environment to be in and to be a part of,” Mastroeni told reporters earlier today.

Unfortunately, Real Salt Lake was left heartbroken in their final game before the extended break when they lost 2-1 in the final minute on the road against Vancouver. The sour taste left lingering in the mouths of all involved has lingered for a week and a half which has aided the increased determination and energy at training.

Jumping into the match week like: pic.twitter.com/KAlE1FuceW

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) June 13, 2022

“We want to be able to control more moments of the game than not with the ball and without the ball and again, continue to build on our last few performances and manage the game a bit better than we did in Vancouver,” Mastroeni said.

Healthy Roster

The health of the roster is promising with only Damir Kreilach expected to be sidelined for multiple months with a back injury that he recently had surgically repaired.

Anderson Julio continues to regain fitness after a slight hamstring strain suffered a few weeks ago while Jonathan Menéndez also continues to gain fitness after being sidelined for multiple weeks with an injury.

Erik Holt has returned to the Real Monarchs after successfully rehabbing from plantar fascitis.

International RSL

Over the international break, Real Salt Lake was well represented. Rubio Rubin scored a brace in Guatemala’s 2-0 CONCACAF Nations League win over the Dominican Republic. Rubin should have scored a hattrick but his opening goal on the evening was called offside despite Rubio being onside by roughly two yards. Due to no video assistance referee being in use the call stood and Rubin was robbed a goal.

Here's the goal from the Oregon native: pic.twitter.com/5805BMSytX

— Jon Arnold (@ArnoldcommaJon) June 14, 2022

David Ochoa has been with the Mexican National Team for two Nations League fixtures but is yet to be named to the bench. Ochoa, despite representing the United States at multiple youth levels, is yet to receive a first-team call-up on the international level.

Diego Luna and Jaziel Orozco have been with the United States Under-20 team during the break.

Next Match

Real Salt Lake will return to the pitch on June 18 when they host San Jose Earthquakes at Rio Tinto Stadium.

As always, the match will be available to stream for free via the KSL Sports and KSL 5 TV apps or on KSL Sports dot com.