Rejoice! Real Salt Lake Is Winning Consistently Again

SALT LAKE CITY – Real Salt Lake has started 2022 in a surprising manner. A month ago leading into the season opener against Houston, very few Major League Soccer followers anticipated an undefeated start by Real Salt Lake.

The depth of the roster is already being tested despite the season starting just three weeks ago. Captain and 2021 MLS All-Star Damir Kreilach has failed to participate in the previous two fixtures, yet, despite the concern, Real Salt Lake has beaten last year’s Supporters Shielf champions and expected Western Conference leaders Seattle Sounders.

Furthermore, starting right-back Aaron Herrera and goalkeeper David Ochoa, two of the club’s most important players, are yet to play a minute in 2022 as both are dealing with lingering injuries.

Prior to the season, manager Pablo Mastroeni commented on the importance of using the momentum gained in last year’s playoff run to start the 2022 campaign, it seems apparent that the club has been able to do just that.

things you love to see:#NEvRSL | @AFCU pic.twitter.com/vSmhMJi4hf

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) March 14, 2022

In almost every interview since taking over in the middle of last season, Mastroeni has mentioned the word “mentality”. The importance of playing with the appropriate mentality has clearly aided the form of Real Salt Lake.

But playing with a winning mentality is only half the battle. You must also have the pieces and talent to execute the game plan.

With the 2021 MLS Playoff run and now the start to the 2022 season, are we approaching an era in which MLS pundits are forced to show Real Salt Lake the respect they supposedly deserve?

It may not always be pretty, the roster may not be overly decorated, but the belief within this Real Salt Lake group is palpable. Under Mastroeni’s direction and guidance Real Salt Lake has frequently shown the ability to overcome adversity and prove the doubters wrong.

Currently, Real Salt Lake is second in the Western Conference only behind LAFC who sit atop on goal difference. Of the 28 teams in the league, Real Salt Lake finds itself in the 5th position on goal difference only.

Glad Accolades

Justen Glad has been named to the MLS Team of the Week following his efforts against New England that included a goal in the 88th minute to level proceedings at 2-2.

Remember the name 👑

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) March 14, 2022

Surprisingly, despite the heroic come from behind victory against New England, no other player was named to the Team of the Week.

Next Match

Real Salt Lake will return home to host Nashville next Saturday, March 19, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

The fixture will be available to watch via the KSL Sports or KSL 5 TV app or on KSL Sports dot com.