Real Salt Lake Seeks Offensive Rebound Against Portland Timbers

Real Salt Lake is facing an offensive challenge, scoring just one goal in their last 225 minutes of play, while recently losing two matches. After a strong start with 16 points from their first seven MLS contests, the team hopes to turn things around when they host the Portland Timbers this Saturday in Sandy, Utah.

Salt Lake (5-3-1, 16 points) enters the game with a week of rest following a busy stretch of three matches within eight days, which provides them the opportunity to address their recent struggles.

“As a group, we need to own everything and put our best foot forward to do our best in this next match against Portland,” Salt Lake coach Pablo Mastroeni stated.

Leading their attack is Zavier Gozo, one of two teenagers in the lineup, who has contributed two goals and four assists this season. Diego Luna (two goals, three assists) and Sergi Solans (five goals) have also been key players for the offense.

“Gozo, I think, has been a revelation for them. He’s a young kid that we saw last year who’s developing, who’s maturing, who’s becoming one of their most important players,” commented Portland coach Phil Neville.

The Timbers (3-5-1, 10 points) aim for their second consecutive road win after a 2-1 victory against San Diego last Saturday.

Alex Bonetig netted his first-ever MLS goal in the dying moments of the match, helping Portland break a 12-match winless streak in road league games that dated back to August of last year.

“It was big for the whole organization, winning away from home,” Neville remarked. ” … Mentally, psychologically, I think it’s important.”

Kristoffer Velde, who has three goals, leads a balanced attack that has seen contributions from 10 different players.

The Timbers hold a historical edge in the series with a record of 16 wins, 14 losses, and 12 draws. Last season, they eliminated RSL from the playoffs in a 3-1 wild-card victory in Portland, where Felipe Mora scored twice.

“I’m sure they remember that as well, that we sent them home early,” said Portland goalkeeper James Pantemis. “It’s not going to be an easy game. It’s a road game, altitude challenge. We’re looking to build momentum off last week.”