Wasatch Soccer Sentinel
Real Salt Lake have completed their final preseason game with a 3-0 win over Chicago Fire on Saturday.
RSL were in Tucson, Arizona for the FC Tucson Desert Showcase at Kino Stadium, which has been a staple of Real’s preseason for several years. In those games, RSL won two and drew two. Prior to their trip to the Grand Canyon State, RSL had defeated the 2022 MLS Cup and Supporter Shield champions LAFC 2-0 (with goals from Rubin and Jacquesson). The team also played in a number of scrimmages, but those results were not disclosed.
In the Desert Showcase, they first faced rivals Sporting Kansas City on the 8th of February. SKC took an early lead via a goal from Johnny Russell in the 11th minute, before Damir Kreilach would bring RSL level just ten minutes later. RSL took the lead with a Bryan Oviedo goal but Kansas City drew level in the 55th minute, and the match ended 2-2. Players like Delentz Pierre, Tomas Gomez, and Bode Hidalgo started the game, which indicates some experimentation at this point in preseason.
On Feb. 11, RSL took on USL Championship side Sacramento Republic, who are lead by former Real Monarchs coach Mark Briggs. RSL started another experimental lineup, with players like Paul, Jacquesson, Hidalgo, Holt, Storlie, and Pierre all getting the nod. Pierre quickly showed his ability and scored in the 7th minute. A goal from the former RSL striker Douglas Martinez Jr. gave Sacramento their lone goal of the night and the match concluded 1-1.
