REAL World: Los Angeles – A Real Salt Lake Playoff Preview
Real Salt Lake takes on LAFC Thursday, November 1st, at Bank of California Stadium in the club’s first playoff game since 2016.
Well, this isn’t quite what we were expecting going into the weekend. Most of us had probably already resigned to the fact that the offseason had started, and we were all talking about what RSL should do in the transfer market and possible front office moves. But, that gets put on hold for a little while longer as by a Houston City Miracle, RSL actually made the playoffs.
What a miracle it was. Not only was L.A. the better team and at home, they also had a 2-0 lead heading into halftime. But, by the power invested in Salt Lake’s new savior, Mauro Manotas put away two goals in the 73rd minute and 79th to close out the game 3-2 for the Dynamo and break the hearts of every Galaxy fan and staff member in the StubHub Center Sunday afternoon.
So, now that there is an actual playoff game on the schedule, let’s look ahead and preview what might happen.
One thing is almost certain, Mike Petke is not going to make a bunch of changes to the lineup or formation. Since the three-game win-streak in late August that saw RSL put up two on Houston in a wild game that ended with an Albert Rusnak brace in stoppage time. Followed by back-to-back sixes on Colorado and the Galaxy, RSL has gone 1-3-2 and has been in poor form, to be fair. Not exactly what you want heading into the playoffs.
In those six matches, Petke has been consistent in two ways. First, he’s played either a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 that’s seen Sunny and Kyle Beckerman in the defensive midfielder roles. The other, he usually sticks with some combination of Plata, Rusnak, Savarino, and Kreilach up top. Although Corey Baird has played well lately, I don’t expect him to deviate much from his usual lineup. But, the question we are all wondering is who he’s going to play on the backline? Over the last six games, two players have started every game: both fullbacks, Aaron Herrera and Brooks Lennon. Four players have started in the two center back spots (M. Silva, Glad, Besler, and Onuoha). Looking at what he did for the Portland game, which also acted as a must win game, my guess is Petke will go more for experience and start M. Silva and Glad.
Whoever he chooses to start, they will have a tough time containing LAFC’s attack. Their 2.0 goals-per-game average ranks second in MLS, only behind the record-breaking attack of Atlanta United. They also get off an average of 6.0 shots on goal per game. Man, that frightens me if I’m RSL. If you want to look on the Brightside, Nick Rimando ranks 9th in MLS in saves so let’s hope he’s up for it. If you haven’t watched much this season, LAFC is the real deal. The only reason they fell into this spot, is because Seattle Sounders FC had an incredible run to end the season in which they went 14-2-0. Thus, resulting in them snatching the second spot in the Western Conference right out of LAFC’s hands, who had held it most of the season. Their attack is led by standout forwards Diego Rossi, Adama Diomande, and Carlos Vela. Each of whom scored more than 12 goals this season. By comparison, RSL had only one player score 12 or more goals, Damir Kreilach.
However, there are a few ways that RSL can try to break down LAFC and hope to get a couple of goals. One of LAFC’s biggest struggles this season has been getting back into formation to stop counter attacks. Out of the 14 goals they have given up over their last five losses, seven of them have been given up on fast break plays. LAFC beat writer Vince La Rosa did a breakdown of their 5-1 loss to Minnesota United for mls.com in which he showed exactly how United was able to breakdown LAFC’s backline. A lot of their success came from forcing L.A. to turn the ball over and as La Rosa states, “they had ample space to go forward immediately.”
Their other weakness is their discipline at times, mainly in giving up penalties. They accounted for the third most penalties this season in the MLS, giving up eight, two of them also coming in their final five losses. The hope is, if RSL can put pressure on the LAFC backline all game and get them frustrated, some good balls played through from the midfield or possibly coming from Brooks Lennon from the right back spot, should lead to some solid chances if RSL can find its way into the box with regularity.
Honestly, looking at the playoff seeding, this might be Real’s toughest matchup with a team and it just happens to be in the knockout round. During the regular season, LAFC won both fixtures between these two teams, including a 5-1 win on the road at Rio Tinto. Agianst three out of the four other teams, RSL was able to get at least one win against in the regular season (let’s not talk about Portland, it’s too soon). If RSL can somehow get past LAFC on Thursday night, there’s a decent chance that they can make a run towards the cup. The second round brings a home and home tie that plays well into RSL’s favor who posted an 11-2-4 home record this season. Let’s hope we get a chance to discuss how RSL matches up against Sporting K.C. a week from now. Tune in to find out.
You can catch the game Thursday night at 8:30 on ESPN 2.