Real Salt Lake Wary Of Houston Dynamo’s Direct Approach

Jul 29, 2021, 4:16 PM

Photo courtesy: Real Salt Lake

KSL Sports

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Real Salt Lake take to the road for a date with the Houston Dynamo at BBVA Stadium this upcoming Saturday evening. RSL is wary of the aggressive nature in which Houston likes to play; direct.

Bad Memories

Just a few weeks ago, RSL and Houston drew 1-1 at Rio Tinto Stadium in one of the more frustrating results for RSL this season. During that fixture, RSL controlled every aspect of the game, besides the scoreboard. RSL won all of the meaningful statistical columns but allowed a soft second-half goal and surrendered two points in doing so.

That result still lives fresh in the memory of the RSL playing group.

“That was the game that we gave away two points, it should have been a win for us,” RSL captain Albert Rusnák said on the recent 1-1 home draw with Houston. “Now we are going to be going there on the road. We know how they are going to try and play, they are going to be very direct, they’ve got speed up front and experience, a solid midfield three that is going to work hard. We know what to expect from Houston.”

Captain Albert Rusnák recaps the win over @ColoradoRapids and previews a tough rematch vs. @HoustonDynamo

7th place @realsaltlake plays Dynamo (9th) away this Saturday, 8:00pm MST.

Stream live on the @kslsports app #RSL #DaleReal #MLS Subscribe/follow – @rslshow pic.twitter.com/x9P17dYnfd

— Andy Muñoz (@andymunoz48) July 29, 2021

The Expectation

When Houston is faced with a press, they often revert to playing a long ball over the top of the opposition backline with the hope of exposing space to create goal-scoring opportunities.

Houston is not, and will not, be afraid to test RSL’s backline with a barrage of long balls. RSL vice-captain Justen Glad is wary of this threat and will look to guide his teammates to remain calm under adversity.

“For me, I am worried about balls over the top,” Glad told KSL Sports. “Especially in Houston this time of the year, it is going to be hot and it is more about making sure everybody is organized and making sure the game doesn’t get too spread open where it is four players attacking and five players defending or vice versa.”

The weather in Houston is expected to be hovering around 90 degrees at kickoff but with the humidity that will likely feel more like 105 degrees.

For RSL to ensure points be returned to Utah, RSL must maintain control of the game. RSL will likely look to control the possession tally, work the passing lanes and utilize the space provided to them but in a manner that is always meticulous and composed.