Bobby Wood Available For Selection Ahead Of Clash With Seattle Sounders

Jun 23, 2021, 5:50 PM | Updated: Dec 9, 2022, 11:48 am

KSL Sports

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Real Salt Lake striker Bobby Wood is available for selection ahead of tonight’s fixture against the Seattle Sounders, RSL GM Elliot Fall announced on The Drive on ESPN 700.

We will learn if Wood will start or even if he made it on the bench at 7 p.m., one hour before kickoff.

Bobby Wood Debut Incoming

“I can tell you that he is here in Seattle,” Fall said after admitting that his recent run of training form has been superb. “He is certainly available tonight and we may see his debut in an RSL kit,” Fall continued.

Wood, 28, is yet to see any playing time under manager Freddy Juarez since his arrival two and a half weeks ago. Wood joined RSL following a two-month stint on the sidelines while he waited for his second child to be born in Europe.

Threads on point 👌#SEAvRSL | #RSL pic.twitter.com/NvGrl4Je6x

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) June 23, 2021

When he landed in Salt Lake City, Wood was very public about his battle to return to match fitness and noted that he will “listen to his body and will not rush the process.”

In Form Rubin, However

Furthermore, the team has been playing very well with Rubio Rubin at the striking position. Rubin has been instrumental in helping RSL build and score more attacking opportunities. His ability to hold the ball up, beat defenders off the dribble, involve his teammates in attacking transition, among other areas of his game has been a breath a fresh air for RSL this season.

Wood’s resume speaks for itself. His ability to contribute at the international level and throughout the German top-flight leagues for over a decade will add pressure on Juarez to find him minutes in an RSL kit.

Is it likely Wood starts this evening for RSL? No. It would be unlike Juarez to start Wood over Rubin when you consider the form of Rubin as of late and the fitness concern surrounding Wood. But, it is likely we see Wood come off the bench for RSL as the second half minutes dwindle.