Real Salt Lake Searching For First Road Victory Against Minnesota United

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Real Salt Lake are confident as the team prepares for an away trip to Minnesota, despite having trailed on five separate occasions over the two most recent games that both ended in draws.

Against Portland, RSL trailed on three separate occasions before two late goals gave the visitors a point that felt like a win. Then at home against the reigning MLS Cup champions the Seattle Sounders, anytime RSL went down a goal they were able to find a way to equalize.

The team has shown a great amount of grit and determination on the pitch since the return of play following the MLS Is Back tournament conclusion.

Stronger Together #RSL pic.twitter.com/yKy8yp5dUw

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) September 3, 2020

However, the upcoming trip to Minnesota will bring a new set of challenges for the club. Specifically, RSL will be looking for its first points on the road against Minnesota.

The club has lost on all three of its previous meetings in Minnesota with the most recent loss on the road against Minnesota coming on September 15, 2019, when RSL was beaten 3-1.

A win on Sunday could catapult RSL from the seventh spot in the Western Conference all the way up to third depending on other results from around the league.

Position Battles Everywhere

RSL are fortunate as they currently find themselves with healthy competition occurring at every position on the pitch. Playing time is becoming harder for some players to find, not because they are not good enough, but because the players in front of them are in form.

The heart of the midfield, for example, has six players that could comfortably contribute if their number is called and there are only two starting spots available.

“Damir, Becks, Pablo, Everton, Besler, Portillo, that’s competition there every day,” Juarez said.

Still in awe tbh pic.twitter.com/xRmitaRHdD

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) September 4, 2020

“It definitely makes a team better and is also allows you to comfortably rotate guys and still not go saying “we are going to rotate but just to survive”, no, we are going to rotate and we are still going to try and win the game,” he added.

Minnesota United

During the MLS Is Back tournament, Minnesota was able to reach the semi-finals after some exciting play through the group stage.

However, since the return of the regular season, Minnesota has not won a game. In fact, they have conceded eight goals and only scored two of their own.

Minnesota currently sits in fourth place in the Western Conference, but only because of goal difference as they are tied on 11 points with RSL and two other teams.

Match Information

The clash on Sunday will kick-off at 6 p.m. and can be watched on sports.ksl.com or by downloading the KSL TV app.