The Eastern Conference’s second-placed team, D.C. United, will be taking the road to Sandy, Utah to face the West’s own second-placed Real Salt Lake. Both teams have been dominant of late and the tilt should make for a quality display of what Major League Soccer can offer fans and bettors alike.
Will United find a game-winning goal against Real Salt Lake’s top-notch defense? Can Javier Morales continue to deliver timely goals for Real? Read on for more on these two playoff contenders, and for more MLS analysis check out our complete preview of the Colorado Rapids vs. FC Dallas match on Saturday.
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D.C. United vs. Real Salt Lake, Major League Soccer, Betting Preview and Prediction
Where: Rio Tinto Stadium, Sandy, Utah
When: Saturday, August 9, 10:00 PM ET
Line: D.C. United +410 at Real Salt Lake -175, tie +260; total 2.5 – view all MLS lines
Betting on D.C. United
D.C. United saw their four-game winning streak snapped after surrendering an injury time-winner in a loss to Houston on Monday. The team is now 4-2-0 in its last six league games.
[sc:Soccer240banner ]The loss to Houston highlighted a disorganized United defense when rookie defender Steven Birnbaum blocked goalkeeper Bill Hamid’s path to a loose ball, which led to United losing the match. United’s defense may run into some more trouble when they meet a Real Salt Lake side that is sixth in the league in goals scored.
With the possible absence of Real Salt Lake’s defensive anchor, Kyle Beckerman, United’s prolific midfield will have a golden opportunity to shine. Midfielders Perry Kitchen, Luis Silva, Nick DeLeon and Chris Rolfe were responsible for six of United’s 10 goals in their win streak. Rolfe, in particular, led the team’s offensive charge in the loss to the Houston Dynamos.
Betting on Real Salt Lake
While United struggled in their previous match, Real Salt Lake displayed some solid defense in a 1-0 win over the Colorado Rapids on Saturday.
Goalkeeper Nick Rimando and center back Nat Borchers were mostly to thank for the win. Rimando displayed stellar goalkeeping, making six important saves despite playing a man short for almost 47 minutes to record yet another clean sheet. Rimando is now tied for the MLS record for most career clean sheets at 112.
On the other hand, Borchers held the 10-man group together against the 22-shot onslaught Colorado mustered. The center back’s four tackles were enough to keep his team in the lead. He’ll need to keep the Claret and Cobalt’s defense sharp as defensive midfielder star Kyle Beckerman may miss the game against United due to a foot injury.
Attacking midfielder Javier Morales took care of the offense in Real Salt Lake’s previous match. He scored an early 14th-minute goal, which stood as the winning goal. Morales is tied for second in the team with 6 goals and also serves as a playmaker for the Claret and Cobalt, as evidenced by his seven assists.
Real Salt Lake are undefeated in their last four home games, with two wins and two draws.
Writer’s Prediction
Real Salt Lake squeaks out with a 1-0 win over D.C. United as Rimando claims the record for most blank sheets in MLS history.
