Wasatch Soccer Sentinel
Real Salt Lake has played a grand total of two matches in MLS this season, and they’ve been on the road. I’d like to imagine that we’ve learned something from them, some of it positive and others of it decidedly less so. Let’s talk.
Matt Crooks looks like a good player already, which is relieving considering he’s our one attacking addition of real note (at least, the one addition who isn’t 17 years old.) He’s shown a creativity in possession and combined exceedingly well with Diego Luna and Chicho Arango in creating a goal against St. Louis City. Am I excited for Crooks? Yes. Do I think I'll ever remember his nickname is "Tree"? No. Do I think he's going to prove a quality addition to the squad and a starting-caliber player? Probably — but time will tell.
Diego Luna has been discussed as being in a “free role” on the left side — but is that true? Let’s look at the reality of the idea. Against St. Louis, Luna played largely on the left side — at least as far as his attacking contributions are concerned. Of his 37 passes through the game, at most three were on the right third in the attacking half of the field. A further seven or so were in the central third. 10 were in the defensive half, maybe one of which was in the attacking third.
