What Orlando City can expect against Real Salt Lake
ORLANDO, Fla. (FOX 35 Orlando) - Cheer on Orlando City Soccer Club as they take on Real Salt Lake! Watch my65/WRBW today - pre-game coverage starts at 8:30 p.m. ET.
City looks to continue scoring goals after Saturday's win over Colorado, while Real Salt Lake tries to snap a four game losing streak. Here is what you need to know about Saturday's opponents:
Key Transactions: Salt Lake went and did what it's known for in the offseason, playing money ball in the transfer window. The club went and signed five homegrowns, claimed former Lion Donny Toia (who began his career with Real Salt Lake) in the Re-Entry Draft, and signed Justin Portillo from the USL Championship. The most notable signing was Everton Luiz on loan from SPAL.
Leaving this offseason, City fans will know RSL loaned Danilo Acosta our way. Luis Silva, Sunny, and Demar Phillips were other notable losses.
Who's Hot: On the attacking end of the field there is not a lot going right for RSL. In six games, the club has only managed five goals. Leading the way is Albert Rusnák who is the only RSL player with more than one goal.
Team Form: RSL's form took a nose dive after their first two games of the season. Since March 9th, the club has lost four matches giving up 12 goals and only scoring three. Not great to say the least.
Head-to-Head: Salt Lake is a team Orlando City have never lost to. Both sides drew 1-1 in City's inaugural season and then drew again in 2016 in a home opener classic thanks to late stoppage time drama. In the last two years, however, City has gotten the best of Salt Lake with a 1-0 win on the road two years ago and a 3-1 win at home last season.
Rasmussen College Fun Fact: This will be the second weekend in a row that Orlando City faces a team with a legendary U.S. keeper hanging up the gloves at the end of the 2019 MLS Season. Last week the Lions got the best of Tim Howard scoring four goals, this week the boys will be looking to do the same against Nick Rimando. Rimando has played 20 seasons in Major League Soccer and was the first goalkeeper in league history to reach 200 wins.