MLS Preview and Prediction: Colorado Rapids vs Real Salt Lake

Colorado Rapids vs Real Salt Lake Preview and Prediction

Competition: Major League Soccer Regular Soccer – Colorado Rapids vs. Real Salt Lake

Venue: Dick’s Sporting Goods Park – Saturday, July 11 – 21:00 ET (02:00 BST)

Match Odds: Colorado Rapids 10/11 – Draw 12/5 – Real Salt Lake 3/1

Match Preview

Colorado Rapids host Real Salt Lake this weekend in the second meeting between the sides this season, the reverse fixture saw the sides share the points in a 0-0 draw.

Colorado Rapids won their first game after a six match winless run last weekend in their 2-1 home victory over Vancouver Whitecaps. This was a shock result and it should give the Rapids a boost.

Head Coach Pablo Mastroeni knows his side need to build upon last weekends result as they still sit bottom of the Western Conference.

Rapids upcoming fixtures don’t get any easier, with Seattle Sounders and LA Galaxy their next two regular season opponents. Victory in this one would be a great lift and back-to-back wins would be ideal heading into those fixtures.

Real Salt Lake come into this one off the back of their 1-1 home draw against Orlando. Jeff Cassar‘s side have won just once in their last seven regular season ties.

The sides are separated by five points with RSL having played a game more, but neither side has been in any real form this season so we could see a similar tie to the 0-0 earlier in the campaign.

RSL are only four points outside the playoff places but have played more games then sides ahead of them in the Western Conference.

Colorado Rapids duo Axel Sjoberg and Juan Ramiez both still remain doubtful. Bobby Burling and Jared Watts are one booking away from a suspension.

Real Salt Lake are expected to be without Jamison Olave, while Justen Glad and Chris Schuler are doubts. Abdoulie Mansally is suspended and Luke Mulholland is one booking away from a suspension.

Key Points

Colorado Rapids’ last five in MLS: D/D/L/L/W

Real Salt Lake’s last five in MLS: D/W/L/D/D

Key Stat: Poor on the road – RSL have failed to win their last four regular season ties.

Key Player: Javier Morales – The Real Salt Lake playmaker will be at the centre of their attacking play in this one and will hope he can inspire his side to a win.

Score Prediction

Colorado Rapids 1-2 Real Salt Lake – A tie Real Salt Lake will expect to win but Colorado will not make it easy for them.