SALT LAKE CITY — Real Salt Lake is preparing for the start of the playoffs against an opponent they know all too well.
RSL will be taking on the LA Galaxy for the fourth time in the past six post seasons and the guys say they are ready to shut out the Galaxy in Rio Tinto Stadium.
“I know the players are going to be amped up for the game and then when we hear the passion and excitement at the stadium it’s just going to elevate us,” said head coach Jeff Cassar.
Even though RSL has a lot of experience with the Galaxy, they say it does not make the matchup any easier.
“I don’t know if you ever get used to playing LA,” said defender Nat Borchers. “They are an extremely difficult team to play.”
Cessar commented on the Galaxy’s playing style.
“A lot of times it doesn’t take them 10 opportunities to get one, they are very clinical so that’s always a tough thing,” the coach said.
This year is the first that the MLS has implemented a road goal rule into the playoff system. If a playoff match ends in a tie, the team with the most road goals wins.
RSL says it is something on the back of their minds.
“Our mentality at home will probably remain the same, theirs might change a little bit in terms of wanting to get a goal on the road,” said defender Chris Wingert said. “But we can’t worry too much about that, we’ve got to play our game and hopefully the results will take care of itself.”
The players are hopeful they will defeat Galaxy.
“We will try to win the game here with a shut out and try to go there, it’s gonna be huge for us,” midfielder Javier Morales said.
The match is Nov. 1 at 6 p.m. mountain time in Rio Tinto Stadium.
