Real Salt Lake had 4 days to prepare for New York City FC and apparently, that was not long enough. 4-0 was the final score with NYCFC dominating from the get-go as they controlled 65% possession all the while smacking 26 shots at Rimando. Fortunately, RSL were lucky to come away just 4-0 losers as it could have been much, much worse. RSL has now played 6 MLS matches with three of them being blowouts (LAFC, Toronto FC and now NYCFC). I do not care who you are or what country you compete in, that is unacceptable. The fans deserve better.
- Where do I begin?
I do not know. The team looked unorganized, slow and clearly lacking the touch that it takes to even compete in the MLS. When you are down 2-0 early, one would think that controlling the speed of the game is priority number one, however, that was not the case, RSL could not keep control and/or possession to save themselves. It was deplorable, and more importantly, embarrassing for the organization. The back 4 could not keep their line, the midfield struggled on both ends of the pitch, and there were very few runs being made by the strikers…the list goes on.
- Am I overreacting?
4 days to prepare for one of the hottest teams in the league is no recipe for success. Add on top of that a 5-hour flight and the result shouldn’t have been a surprise. Let me break down the day-to-day preparation for NYCFC and you can be the judge:
Sunday: The day after Vancouver FC. This day is a recovery day for everyone that played, maybe a film review of Vancouver FC took place as well and a look ahead to NYCFC.
Monday: Travel day. The team departs SLC and heads to New York on a 5-hour flight. Film study on NYCFC at some point as well.
Tuesday: A light session the day before the game to try and get their legs back underneath them, but nothing more than that. Tactical drills to help the team understand the game plan better. More film study on NYCFC.
Wednesday: Game day.
- Pablo Ruiz
Remember that name. The 19 year old Chilean got his first taste of MLS action and boy did he deliver. The undersized utility man can play anywhere it seems, from left back to anywhere in the midfield to left or right wing, Ruiz will be a very important piece to the puzzle for Mike Petke going forward. The second I saw him at training during one of his first sessions with the team I knew he had something. That left foot of his is dynamite and fortunately, you guys got to see that is full force last night against NYCFC.
Next up for Real Salt Lake, they get a chance to compete for the Rocky Mountain Cup against the Colorado Rapids on April 21. Colorado is currently in 8th spot in the Western Conference with 5 points to their name. Unlike Real Salt Lake, the Rapids have a matchup with Toronto FC on April 14th to worry about first.
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