MLS Power Rankings Respect Fast Starting Real Salt Lake After Road Victory

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Real Salt Lake is starting to gather the respect of the country, or at least, that is how it is being portrayed after the recent MLS Power Rankings were announced.

After enduring a bye through the opening week of the season, MLS began the second week in 27th position, according to the MLS Power Rankings, which are released at the start of every week.

This week, after their 2-1 victory on the road against Minnesota, RSL finds themselves seven spots higher in 20th. It was the second-highest climb across the league.

⬆️ #LAFC
⬆️ #UniteAndConquer
⬆️ #LAGalaxy

Full rankings: https://t.co/lnqmluf2FO pic.twitter.com/aLZOVHXLUY

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 27, 2021

Prior to the season starting, many pundits and “experts” believed RSL would struggle yet again in 2021. Not having an owner and basing judgement on last years results made the assumption easy, or so it seemed.

RSL, owner or not, has added key attacking players to their arsenal during the offseason. Anderson Julio scored a brace to open his RSL account on debut and was subsequently rewarded with MLS Team of the Week honors, while, Rubio Rubin claimed two assists on debut to also play a pivotal role against Minnesota.

Entering week two against Sporting Kansas City, it would be fair to assume that both Julio and Rubin will be atop the scouting report.

The change in strategy and structure comes during a tumultuous time at RSL. As mentioned above, RSL is without an owner, the club is attempting to reinvigorate the fanbase through positive results on the field in an attempt to lure the RSL faithful back to Rio Tinto Stadium which has been dwindling over the years.

The result against Minnesota is the first step in regaining the trust of the fanbase.