Preview: RSL, Union Meet for First Time
Click here for the full version of the MLS Game Guide for RSL v. Union
The basics
- Real Salt Lake (2-3-1, t-7th in West) vs. Philadelphia Union (1-4-0, 7th in East)
- All-time record: First meeting
TV Info:
- KUSG 2.2 (Comcast 111/Dish Network 12), MLS Direct Kick Package, Matchday Live (Click here)
Radio Info:
- KALL 700 Sports (English) (coverage begins at 1:00 p.m.), ESPN Deportes 1600-AM & Homero 106.1-FM (Spanish)
What's at stake?
The Union are looking for their first road points, and trying to
weather the storm of a road- heavy start to their inaugural season.
Real Salt Lake are trying to ascend the table after a challenging start
to their MLS Cup defense.
Last meeting:
The teams have never met.
Heroes & Villains
Real Salt Lake forwards Alvaro Saborio and Robbie Findley vs. Philadelphia goalkeeper Chris Seitz:
Although the Union backline hasn’t been as porous as the typical
expansion side, Findley and Saborio will get their chances against the
young ‘keeper. Seitz has had a couple of shaky moments during this
campaign. Can he shake off the nerves against his old club and have a
solid outing?
Philadelphia forward Alejandro Moreno and midfielder Fred vs. Real Salt Lake midfielder Kyle Beckerman: With Sebastien Le Toux
listed as questionable for this one, the Union will need to create
chances elsewhere. In this case, they may need a couple of veteran
attacking players to find spaces behind an aggressive RSL midfield to
create the opportunities needed.
Stat that makes you go “Hmmmmmm”:
Real Salt Lake have given up just eight goals in their first six
matches, but remarkably half of those goals have come from the penalty
spot.
He said it:
“I still think they’ve got the right pieces. They’ve got a very good
coach. I think they have what it takes to be a good team this year.” -
Real Salt Lake Head Coach Jason Kreis on Philadelphia’s expansion squad.
- Avoid giving up yet another penalty kick
- Finish a scoring chance early to make Philly chase the game
- Find some offensive production to pick up the slack for
injured Le Toux - Frustrate Real Salt Lake by absorbing their pressure early
without giving up a goal
QUESTIONABLE:
MF Ned Grabavoy (R MCL sprain); FW Fabian Espíndola (L ankle sprain);
PROBABLE: MF Nelson Gonzalez (illness); DF Jamison Olave (R knee
derangement)
QUESTIONABLE:
FW Sebastien Le Toux (L knee sprain); DF Jordan Harvey (bruised ribs);
PROBABLE: DF Cristian Arrieta (L toe sprain)