facebook-pixel

RSL meets Minnesota United with chance to go 2-0 in second MLS tournament game

(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) New York Red Bulls defender Kyle Duncan (6) knocks the ball from Real Salt Lake forward Justin Meram, in MLS acton between Real Salt Lake and the New York Red Bulls at Rio Tinto Stadium, Saturday, March 7, 2020.

Real Salt Lake is riding high after dominating its first game of the MLS is Back Tournament with a win over the Colorado Rapids. Now it has an opportunity to seal a place in the next round with a win Friday over Minnesota United.

But RSL isn’t taking the Lions lightly after not only winning its tournament opener 2-1 over Sporting Kansas City, but being a strong team overall in recent memory.

“It’s a good team,” RSL coach Freddy Juarez said. “The results from last year and the results from starting this year have shown they’re a good team. … They will defend if they have to defend, and they will bring it to you if they need to bring it to you. So we’re expecting a very, very touch match.”

MLS IS BACK

RSL VS. MINNESOTA UNITED


When • Friday, 8:30 p.m. MDT

TV • ESPN2/Deportes

Kevin Molino scored the game-winner in the 97th minute for Minnesota against SKC. It was his third goal of the season.

But the Lions are also keying in on RSL midfielders Albert Rusnák and Damir Kreilach, both of whom scored against the Rapids. But they feel confident about their chances.

“Our games against them have been tight but most of the games, we could have won,” Minnesota coach Adrian Heath said. “I know it’s going to be tight on Friday but if we play like we can, we can go and win this game as well.”

RSL plays Minnesota on Friday at 8:30 p.m. on ESPN2.