Wasatch Soccer SentinelWasatch Soccer SentinelWasatch Soccer Sentinel

Real Salt Lake and Utah Royals news and rumors
Match Coverage

What we’re watching in Austin FC vs Real Salt Lake

RSL are on the road again, facing another Texas team

What we’re watching in Austin FC vs Real Salt Lake
Lucas Muller | Wasatch Soccer Sentinel

Real Salt Lake are coming off a hugely disappointing home draw against the Portland Timbers. In a game where they secured a playoff spot, it was a deflating end after the Timbers scored in stoppage to level. Austin are winless in their last 3 games, and sit a full 7 points below the last playoff spot, and they’ll be desperate for a win.

A leaky defense

RSL have conceded 9 goals in their last 3 games. That’s abysmal and it’s shocking they’re second in the west with problems like that. Defending has been an issue for the last several months, despite starting the season strong. They’re simply not on the same page. Against Portland, two of the goals come down to understanding and communication. It seems like we’re a long ways away from the days of Beckerman and Rimando keeping the defense in shape and that leadership is sorely missed.

A lethal attack

On the other end of the field, RSL have never looked better. Even without star-striker Chicho Arango banging in goals, the team is still scoring at a good clip. With Goncalves and Marczuk scoring against Portland, the team is, once again, dangerous from multiple positions. Luna scored his first goal in two and a half months. Both Julio, who is on an absolute tear right now, and Chicho provided assists.

Doing that again, on the road again, in Texas again, might be tougher.

Marczuk

RSL newcomer Dominik Marczuk looked like one of the best players on the field last weekend. He provided multiple chances and even a goal. He’s a young talent, the Polish winger is just 20 years old, but with several professional seasons already under his belt, he showed his quality. The boots left by Andres Gomez are big, but Marczuk might be up for the task.

RSL player availability

Out: Bonilla (knee), Ruiz (knee)

Questionable: Hidalgo (thigh injury suffered 9/21/24 v POR)

Latest News

2024 MLS Power Rankings averages, week 27
2024 MLS Power Rankings averages, week 27
What we’re watching in Real Salt Lake vs. Portland Timbers
What we’re watching in Real Salt Lake vs. Portland Timbers
Match day photos: Real Salt Lake vs. FC Dallas
Match day photos: Real Salt Lake vs. FC Dallas
2024 MLS Power Rankings averages, week 26
2024 MLS Power Rankings averages, week 26
Match day photos: Utah Royals vs. San Diego Wave
Match day photos: Utah Royals vs. San Diego Wave
What we’re watching in Houston Dynamo vs. Real Salt Lake
What we’re watching in Houston Dynamo vs. Real Salt Lake
2024 MLS Power Rankings averages, week 25
2024 MLS Power Rankings averages, week 25
Road trip, part 2: Utah Royals @ Kansas City Current
Road trip, part 2: Utah Royals @ Kansas City Current