What’s Next For Real Salt Lake Following MLS Is Back Tournament Elimination?

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Real Salt Lake players, coaches and key personnel were finally allowed to see their loved ones again. That is following the 5-2 defeat that the club suffered at the hands of San Jose in the round of 16 of the MLS Is Back tournament.

A tournament that gave perspective to where the club is currently at, growing.

RSL beat arch-rivals Colorado to open up their tournament proceedings in a convincing 2-0 win. A stalemate against Minnesota left fans scratching their heads while the 2-0 loss to Sporting Kansas City in the final group stage game was concerning, to say the least. RSL managed to pick up four points from a possible nine by the conclusion of the group stage.

In the round of 16 RSL were outclassed by a rejuvenated San Jose Earthquakes outfit that dominated the midfield battle, controlling the possession and subsequently controlling the attacking opportunities.

Nonetheless, RSL has plenty of work still to be done. But in what format will that work be done?

We’ll regroup, recharge & be ready for whatever comes next. pic.twitter.com/y2DeHMpy0n

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) July 28, 2020

Major League Soccer is yet to announce a plan following the conclusion of the MLS Is Back tournament. Commissioner Don Garber has hinted at resuming the season in some capacity but is yet to announce any details.

One would assume that MLS will follow in the footsteps of its younger counterpart, the United Soccer League (USL) who has been able to restart there season, albeit with a different schedule than originally planned, and produce a product worthy of watching.

“Upon completion of the MLS is Back Tournament, MLS plans to continue its regular season with a revised schedule in home markets, followed by the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs and the 25^th MLS Cup. The final number of matches and the schedule for the remainder of the 2020 MLS regular season will be announced in the coming weeks,” MLS reported in a league statement prior to the MLS Is Back tournament start.

Tom Hackett is a Utah and Real Salt Lake Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the It’s Utah’s World Podcast (Utah Football themed) and The Lion’s Den Podcast (Real Salt Lake themed). Follow him on Twitter: @TomCantHackett.