Real Salt Lake Expecting Eager, Energetic Galaxy Encounter

Oct 31, 2020, 8:42 AM

Albert Rusnak #11 of Real Salt Lake takes the ball down the field during a game against the Los Angeles Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park on April 28, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)

(Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)

BY TOM HACKETT, KSL SPORTS

KSL Sports

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Real Salt Lake is heading to Los Angeles to play in a do-or-die game against the LA Galaxy on Sunday evening. Both clubs are desperate for a win as they search for answers following multiple head-scratching performances.

Schelotto Out

The biggest news ahead of the game came on Thursday when the LA Galaxy announced that they had sacked Guillermo Barros Schelotto after two years of managing the team. The LA Galaxy are sitting on the bottom of the Western Conference and look all but defeated as the season’s end nears.

“Based on results, we have decided to go in a different direction,” said LA Galaxy General Manager Dennis te Kloese in a statement. “The LA Galaxy is a club that is built on winning on the field and being representative of the championship mentality and pedigree that you expect in Los Angeles. As a club, we have a collective responsibility and we all must share the blame for the club’s current standing. I take responsibility for the poor results and believe that we can find the right way forward for this team and our club.”

Nonetheless, the loss of Schelotto does not make RSL’s job any easier. In fact, you could argue it only makes things more challenging for the visitors.

Qualification for the @Audi #MLSCupPlayoffs will be determined by points per game. https://t.co/WlkMcyiTFZ

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 29, 2020

“I am expecting an energized Galaxy with a new head coach,” Freddy Juarez said during Friday’s media availability.

The good news for RSL entering Sunday’s clash with the Galaxy is that there is still a mathematical chance that they make the playoffs. Although, a win against the Galaxy is a must if they hope to further pursue post-season plans.

Players To Watch

Cristian Pavón is the player to watch. The versatile winger has scored nine goals while assisting seven. He leads the Galaxy in both categories. The Argentine is elusive and incredibly dangerous.

Javier Hernandez, otherwise known as Chicharito, is also a concern for RSL’s backline. However, the Mexican international has been far from stellar in his debut campaign with the Galaxy in 2020. Chicharito has made 10 appearances thus far but has only managed to score 1 goal. His inability to threaten in the attacking third, combined with the overall record of the Galaxy, is likely a big reason for why Schelotto was fired.

Midfielder Sebastian Lletget is also one to keep an eye on.

RSL Has Nothing To Lose

RSL has everything to gain from this encounter. The pressure is minimal at this point as very few folks around the league expect the Claret and Cobalt to make the playoffs.

Unfortunately, their playoff ambition is now out of their control. They do not control their own destiny. RSL will be relying on other results to go their way over the coming weeks. But taking care of business themselves is paramount.

"Whoever the starting lineup is, our job is to win. We defend this badge and play for our fans. That’s enough motivation for me."#RSL | @AFCU pic.twitter.com/nV7frHqxTR

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) October 30, 2020

Midweek, RSL suffered a convincing 2-0 loss on the road against San Jose Earthquakes. The loss clearly rattled the locker room with Albert Rusnak and Aaron Herrera appearing defeated and lost for words during the post-game press conference.

Furthermore, Aaron Herrera is unavailable for selection following a yellow card suspension after being booked against San Jose midweek. The loss of Herrera could pose problems for RSL who will be tasked with defending one of the league’s best wingers in Pavón.