Real Salt Lake’s offense has dried up recently and will be a major point of emphasis in their next match.
They host the New England Revolution, who might be on an offensive uptick, on Saturday night in Salt Lake City.
Real Salt Lake (12-6-8, 44 points) have been blanked in two of their last four MLS matches, scoring a total of three goals during that stretch. The team also was shut out by the Houston Dynamo in a Leagues Cup match prior to the resumption of the MLS schedule last week.
“What I know about this group is that they’re resilient and they’re strong-willed,” coach Pablo Mastroeni said.
New England (8-14-2, 26 points) has lots of work ahead, but there’s a sudden infusion of confidence for the team.
“We’re just scratching the surface,” coach Caleb Porter said. “We have to keep pushing and stay really hungry.”
The Revolution are tied for the second-most losses in the MLS, but perhaps a 5-0 romp past host CF Montreal in last week’s return to play was a sign of good things to come. That was New England’s first victory by multiple goals this season.
The match against Real Salt Lake could be a reality check if the Revolution start thinking all their ills have been solved, Porter said.
“We’ve got 10 more to go,” he said. “Very pleased, but it gets tougher.”
Real Salt Lake had newcomers Lachlan Brook, Diogo Goncalves and Javain Brown worked into a game for the first time in last week’s 2-0 loss to San Jose.
Cranking up offense will be vital for the home club this weekend.
“Goals change games, not only the storyline, but it changes the psyche,” Mastroeni said.
New England’s offense got a lift last week from Luca Langoni, who had a goal and an assist in his debut with the club.
“He’s good for us to have, a new player and a star like this,” midfielder Carles Gil said. “He gives us confidence for what is coming.”
Part of the formula for success for the Revs needs to include early production, Porter said.
“I want early goals. In a lot of ways, when you look at some of the wins we’ve had, we scored two goals in the first half in a lot of those games,” he said. “I don’t want to see my team bunker up one goal or two goals. I want to see us go for the jugular.”
–Field Level Media