Real Salt Lake Set To Face Zlatan, LA Galaxy On Sunday
Apr 26, 2019, 6:03 PM
Zlatan Ibrahimovic #9 of Los Angeles Galaxy celebrates his second goal against the Portland Timbers during the second half at Dignity Health Sports Park on March 31, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
(Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
SANDY, Utah – Real Salt Lake has won back to back games for the first time this season. The 3-0 victory over the weekend has given the Claret and Cobalt some much needed momentum heading to Dignity Health Sports Park, home of the LA Galaxy.
The Galaxy have barely skipped a beat this season, their last loss came back in week two of the season against FC Dallas on the road. A match in which star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic did not have a major impact.
This will be the Galaxy’s third game in a matter of nine days. It seems as though RSL are catching one of the best teams in the league at a very opportune time. As of late, LA hosted and beat the Houston Dynamo last Friday 2-1, and had a midweek trip to Minnesota United in which the game ended 0-0. Ibrahimovic, at age 37, started in both those games.
Get prepped for La La Land.
📋➡️https://t.co/5cOLc47RpC pic.twitter.com/C05OwL55ex— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) April 26, 2019
History Between LA, RSL
Sep 1, 2018: RSL 6 – 2 LA @ Rio Tinto Stadium
Jun 9, 2018: LA 3 – 0 RSL @ Dignity Health Sports Park
Sep 30, 2017: LA 1 – 1 RSL @ Dignity Health Sports Park
Jul 4, 2017: LA 2 – 6 RSL @ Dignity Health Sports Park
Mar 18, 2017: RSL 1 – 2 LA @ Rio Tinto Stadium
Three of the last five encounters with the Galaxy have taken place at Dignity Health Sports Park, in which Real Salt Lake have lost one, drawn and won. The history between these two clubs runs deep, with often many goals being scored and tempers flaring. Sunday’s match is expected to live up to recent expectations.
Injury Update
Real Salt Lake will be without goalkeeper Nick Rimando for a second consecutive week as the veteran is still undergoing scans on his knee. Brazilian midfielder Everton Luiz will aslo be unavailable due to a MCL sprain suffered two weeks ago against Orlando City SC.
Marcelo Silva, Tony Beltran are still listed as questionable.
Rusnak Playing Well
After his two goal performance against FC Cincinnati last Friday evening, Albert Rusnak was awarded with a Week 8 MLS Team of the Week selection. The Slovakian International and RSL midfielder was well deserving of the selection after his brace helped RSL beat FC Cincinnati 3-0.
Congrats Albert! 👏
📒➡️ https://t.co/ThGuu4k26T pic.twitter.com/a8Xo4gipWg— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) April 23, 2019
No Rimando, Putna To Start
Andrew Putna replaced Nick Rimando in last weeks 3-0 thumping of FC Cincinnati and helped the team to accomplish just the second clean sheet of the season. Putna was only asked to make one save on the evening, however it was his footwork that was most impressive. His ability to help maneuver the defense out of sticky situations with his disposal was very effective and influential in the 3-0 victory.
Johnson Coming Up Big
Sam Johnson has started three games this season, and has already scored twice for RSL. The Liberian International has taken the game by storm, after being disrupted with a minor injury in pre season, Johnson has rebounded with spectacular form over the past three weeks.
Johnson has the ability to beat teams in so many different areas. His speed is elusive, while his touch is impressive. When the ball is at his feet he can beat you with his skill, yet he still remains a force when the ball is being crossed as he can get his head to it with his athleticism.
Sam's second goal of the season 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/sga2fFrSBi
— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) April 22, 2019
Broadcast Info
The match against the LA Galaxy will kick off at 6 p.m. on Sunday and can be streamed on KSLSports.com or on the KSL TV app.
The Lion’s Den
KSLSports.com, in collaboration with Real Salt Lake, has launched a new podcast, The Lion’s Den. It is the official Real Salt Lake podcast for all club news and updates. KSL Sports analysts Tom Hackett and Spencer Warne, along with RSL PR director Matt Gashck break down the games and discuss important club matters.
To listen to The Lion’s Den, click here. It is available on iTunes, Google Play or wherever podcasts are found. Please rate and subscribe to The Lion’s Den for all things RSL.
