Who could have a thought a team that finished 3rd in the league, and only gave up 41 goals, 3rd in the league? Let’s be honest, they surprised people in finishing third. No doubt they could have qualified for playoffs last year, but no one was really clamoring for RSL to finish 3rd. 2020 is gonna be different though. I hate that I actually agree with all these fake armchair analysts pundits, but RSL won’t be in the playoffs this season.
It’s weird really. A team that lost a 40-year-old goalie is gonna be in need of a goalie. Forty! But Rimando meant more than just the Wall of Wasatch. He was more than just the sole leader of RSL. Rimando is no doubt, 100% the most accomplished goalkeeper in the MLS. Skill aside, no one can hold Nick’s jockstrap when it comes to being the best goalie in MLS history.
A real pleasant surprise
The Good: Everton Luiz and getting rid of Petke. I mean if your gonna be a fucking moron, don’t leave a paper trail. Jeez.
The Bad: Who knew you need a striker to be championship contenders. Johnson was not that last season and Rusnak wasn’t the greatest for the majority of the league. Sure they had one of the best defenses in the league, but they also STUNK on offense. When only Vancouver has fewer goals than you it’s not great.
Real Salt Lake’s Spongebob Gif
Taking a step back is never fun. It’s almost like RSL suffered like a high ankle sprain somehow. While they didn’t lose much in quantity, it’s quality what they lost. Nick Rimando, who by no means was the best goalie in the league, and somehow at a spruce age of 40 was still among them. His leadership, his experience, and his presence alone are enough to keep a defense on a straight a narrow path.
More importantly, we won’t be able to see his legendary like this one last season:
The MLS save of the year is just ridiculous 😲pic.twitter.com/dfb4blpi1a
— GOAL (@goal) December 18, 2019
Offseason Moves
The addition of Ramirez to replace Savarino is not what fans are gonna expect. At just 18 years old, I’m quite worried he might disappoint a lot of fans. Selling Savarino to Miniero is just about the worst thing to happen. Well, not really a waste considering RSL got themselves a nice bag for it. But it’s selling proven talent for profit rather than for winning. Ramirez might end up being great, but he’s unproven and a risk play.
Starting XI
That midfield rotation of Kreilach, Beckerman, Besler, and Luiz, are the most important piece of this team. I’d like to say that Rusnak and Baird having a good year is important, but without a consistent midfield, they won’t be competing in any game. I want to believe Beckerman can fend off father time for another MLS Cup run. But it won’t be that simple.
And for the love of God, if they don’t use that Savarino money in the summer on a good striker, I might lose it. While Johnson had a couple of important games, it wasn’t enough. 8 goals might be okay for an attacking midfielder in their first year but not a striker under the DP rule. Not when Rusnak and Savarino are feeding you the ball. Either Johnson needs to step it the fuck up, or this team is in some serious trouble.
Betting Odds
At something over +3000 would be really nice. But at +1600 it’s a story of whether you believe in that offense or not. No doubt RSL will be in playoff contention. They could probably finish in the top 5 again. But let’s call a spade a spade. With the offense as bad as it was last year and RSL not even putting on makeup on the pig, there is something to fade this play.
Best Watches
I figure that weeks 1 and 2 are conflicts of schedule for RSL. I want to believe a game vs RBNY in weel 2 is gonna be interesting, but I can’t think of two teams that have done less this offseason than RSL and RBNY. So your first RSL game depending on how much time you have is week 3. A game vs Columbus Crew, whom I believe will have a very good season.
A rematch with their playoff rival and eventual MLS Champs (shouts to me for my prediction) Seattle Sounders, in April. A game that saw Seattle show pretty much dominate RSL despite the lack of possession. It was the lack of offense that sent Nick Rimando’s career to an end, and it’ll be that same offense that fucks them over this season.
Predictions
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFOracFClBg?start=19]
Real Salt Lake has done wonders for the “little guys” of the MLS. When all these billionaires come and bring in players like Carlos Vela, Josef Martinez, and Chicharito. Teams like RSL have done wonders to squeeze every bit out of Kyle Beckerman and Rimando. They’ve scouted well and brought in players within their budget. And all the while, being able to be a competitive team with much to prove.
2013 was a long time ago. MLS 3.0 is in its third year, and if MLS 4.0 ever comes, I would be very worried for teams in small markets like Salt Lake. If RSL wants to continue to be a relevant team in the MLS and set themselves up to be participants of MLS 4.0, a trip to the MLS Cup in the next 3 years is essential.
I want to believe that RSL will have another nice year after back-to-back conference semifinal visits. But 2020 will crutch them. The defense can’t possibly replicate what happened last year. Especially with Rimando commanding the back. I fear that the offense will have another below-average year, and RSL will finish outside of the MLS playoffs.
Hey! If you hated this blog! You’re gonna hate the next 25 blogs! Be sure to check them out as I count down each MLS team from worst to first for 2020.