Real Salt Lake has shown a marked improvement in its cohesion over the last two matches, holding on for a scoreless draw against the LA Galaxy and controlling a 2-1 win over the Chicago Fire. However, in an interview on The Bill & OC Show on ESPN 700 on Wednesday, forward Devon Sandoval said it was just the tip of the iceberg for RSL as the club readies to face the Montreal Impact on Saturday.
“Not even close,” he laughed when asked if the team was getting close to the form they need to have. “I still think our best form is ahead. So that’s exciting. The past couple of games we’ve started to find our groove. Now we just have to keep it going.”
On Saturday, Sandoval assisted on the game-winning goal by Luke Mulholland. Partnering with RSL’s all-time leading scorer Alvaro Saborio, Sandoval has found success where previously the tandem had been reserved for late-game situations when RSL was pressing for a goal. In their only prior start together, Sandoval was subbed out at halftime of a 1-0 loss to the Colorado Rapids in 2013. The duo showed much better chemistry in the two matches last week, though.
“I think for me, I’ve grown a lot as a player since then,” Sandoval said. “Sabo and I have an understanding of each other’s game and it’s been working out well. Especially with the guys we have with us on the field. They all complement us very well.”
Getting a pair of goals in the victory was a big step for RSL after going a full month without a player registering a goal, let alone a win. The club hopes to carry that momentum into Saturday’s match at Saputo Stadium against the winless Montreal Impact.
“Everybody’s in good spirits. It’s definitely nice to get that monkey off our back and for guys to get on the scoresheet and get a win. Especially on the road – it’s tough to get points on the road. We’re all excited about it,” he said. “Now we move on and get ready for Montreal.”
To hear the full interview with Sandoval, click here.
