SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Real Salt Lake showed the better team in a number of games at the start of the 2021 MLS season, but unfortunately they fell apart on the track, leaving many points on the pitch, much to the players’ horror.
Last weekend against Houston was another example of this. RSL dominated the game and seemed poised to score all three when defender Justen Glad ended an Albert Rusnak corner in the 11th minute and the hosts scored a goal.
But then Houston equalized with his first shot of the game and RSL never looked like the same dominant team from the first half.
This isn’t the first time this season has had some form of frustration and heartbreak in the final 45 minutes of a game. In fact, RSL has experienced similar discomfort in two previous home games out of a possible five.
The difference now is that the frustration is clearly visible in the hearts and minds of the playgroup. After the Houston draw, Bobby Wood, Justen Glad and manager Freddy Juarez were far more frustrated than with previous results in the past.
“We have to find a way to kill them,” Wood said several times during his post-game media availability.
When asked about his side’s seemingly constant disappointments in the second half, Juarez mentioned that “the boys know what the message is” and that he hadn’t changed anything at half time.
But this trend can only continue until someone or something breaks. The message, robust as it is, needs to be changed if the results do not change. The timeframe is being tested.
Fireworks Fireworks Fireworks Fireworks Fireworks Fireworks Fireworks Fireworks Fireworks Fireworks Fireworks Fireworks Fireworks
– Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) June 29, 2021
The caliber of football RSL plays with is promising and the results are not losses. However, some draws feel like wins and others like losses and unfortunately, RSL saw more draws than wins in 2021, which tests the dressing room mindset.
The next test for RSL will take place next Saturday with a game against LAFC when the Rio Tinto Stadium welcomes Corey Baird back to his field.
The LAFC is one place behind RSL in the overall standings. But they had to do without their captain and front runner Carlos Vela for most of the season due to injury. Vela has returned and will be available for selection against RSL in just under a week.
Without question, if RSL can’t determine their own result late in the games, this season will be thrown away. You can’t allow teams to get back into the game with just a few minutes to spare, having dominated most of the game up to that point.
It’s inexcusable. It depletes the playgroup’s mindset and gradually depletes the trust that has been built between the players and the coaching staff.
It has to end and it has to start with the upcoming home game against LAFC.
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