Team Comparison: Real Salt Lake Vs Montréal
Real salt lake vs montr̩al РReal Salt Lake and Montreal have had contrasting seasons so far. RSL currently sits in 10th place in the Western Conference with a record of 7-10-7, while Montreal is in 9th place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 8-11-5.
Both teams have struggled for consistency this season, but RSL has shown more promise in recent weeks. They have won three of their last five games, including a 2-0 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps last weekend. Montreal, on the other hand, has lost three of their last five games, including a 3-1 defeat to the New England Revolution last weekend.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Real Salt Lake’s strengths lie in their defense and their ability to create chances from set pieces. They have conceded just 27 goals this season, which is the third-fewest in the league. They also have a number of dangerous players on set pieces, including Damir Kreilach and Aaron Herrera.
Montreal’s strengths lie in their attack and their ability to play on the counterattack. They have scored 32 goals this season, which is the seventh-most in the league. They also have a number of fast and skillful players, including Djordje Mihailovic and Romell Quioto.
Real Salt Lake’s weaknesses lie in their lack of creativity in midfield and their inability to score goals from open play. They have created just 175 chances this season, which is the second-fewest in the league. They have also scored just 22 goals from open play, which is the third-fewest in the league.
Montreal’s weaknesses lie in their defense and their inability to control games. They have conceded 38 goals this season, which is the 10th-most in the league. They also have a tendency to give up late goals, which has cost them points on several occasions this season.
Key Players
Real Salt Lake’s key players include Damir Kreilach, Aaron Herrera, and Justen Glad. Kreilach is the team’s leading scorer with 9 goals this season. Herrera is a creative midfielder who has provided 5 assists this season. Glad is a defender who has been a rock at the back for RSL this season.
Montreal’s key players include Djordje Mihailovic, Romell Quioto, and Victor Wanyama. Mihailovic is the team’s leading scorer with 6 goals this season. Quioto is a fast and skillful winger who has provided 4 assists this season. Wanyama is a defensive midfielder who has been a key part of Montreal’s success this season.
Historical Matchups
Real Salt Lake and the Montreal Impact have faced each other 20 times in Major League Soccer (MLS) regular season play, with Real Salt Lake holding a 9-5-6 advantage in the series. Real Salt Lake has won the last two meetings between the two teams, including a 2-0 victory in Montreal in 2022.
In the playoffs, the two teams have met once, with Real Salt Lake winning 3-1 in the 2013 Eastern Conference semifinals.
Notable Wins and Losses
Real Salt Lake’s most notable win against Montreal came in the 2013 Eastern Conference semifinals, when they won 3-1 to advance to the conference finals. Montreal’s most notable win against Real Salt Lake came in the 2015 MLS Cup, when they won 2-1 to win their first MLS championship.
Trends and Patterns
Real Salt Lake has been the more dominant team in the series, winning nine of the 20 meetings between the two teams. Montreal has been more successful at home, winning four of the 10 matches played in Montreal. Real Salt Lake has been more successful on the road, winning five of the 10 matches played in Salt Lake City.
Potential Advantages and Disadvantages, Real salt lake vs montréal
Based on historical data, Real Salt Lake has a slight advantage over Montreal in this matchup. However, Montreal has been more successful at home, so Real Salt Lake will need to be careful not to give up an early goal in this match.
Game Preview and Prediction
Real Salt Lake and the Montreal Impact will face off on Saturday, August 12, 2023, at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah. The match is scheduled to begin at 9:00 PM EST.
Real Salt Lake will be looking to extend their unbeaten streak to five games when they host the Montreal Impact. RSL is coming off a 2-1 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes, while the Impact lost 2-0 to the Seattle Sounders. RSL is currently in sixth place in the Western Conference, while the Impact is in 10th place.
Key Matchups
- Damir Kreilach vs. Samuel Piette: Kreilach is RSL’s leading scorer with eight goals this season, while Piette is the Impact’s leading tackler with 50 tackles.
- Justin Meram vs. Alistair Johnston: Meram is RSL’s leading assist provider with five assists this season, while Johnston is the Impact’s leading defender with 20 clearances.
- Zac MacMath vs. James Pantemis: MacMath is RSL’s starting goalkeeper with a 1.20 goals-against average this season, while Pantemis is the Impact’s starting goalkeeper with a 1.50 goals-against average.
Prediction
Real Salt Lake is the favorite to win this match. RSL is in better form than the Impact and has a better record at home. The Impact has struggled on the road this season, with just one win in their last five away games. I predict that RSL will win this match 2-1.
