With five matches remaining on Real Salt Lake’s 2019 regular season schedule, the team currently sits in sole possession of second place in a crowded and competitive Western Conference.
Only four points separate eighth and second place (46 to 42 points) in the West with RSL sitting at the top of the pack at 46 points. Through 29 matches thus far, RSL has earned a 14-11-4 record to plant itself firmly in the playoff picture. RSL's win over the San Jose Earthquakes on September 11, paired with results elsewhere, vaulted RSL back into second place in the West.
In the new 2019 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs format, the top seed in each conference earns a bye during the opening round of the playoffs, entering the fray to host the fourth or fifth seed in the conference semifinals. As it stands, LAFC currently holds the top spot in the West. Each match will feature a winner-take-all scenario with the higher seed hosting each match – seeds 2-4 will host matches in Round 1 – all the way through to the 2019 MLS Cup.
The playoff scenarios are structured as such beginning with Round 1:
1 Seed: Bye (will host winner of 4/5)
4 vs. 5
3 vs. 6
2 vs. 7
RSL seeks to host at least its Round 1 match should it secure a playoff berth by finishing in the West’s top four. The task will not be easy however with RSL facing three teams who currently sit in playoff position, and the LA Galaxy who sit just one point removed from the playoff picture. Two of RSL’s final five matches will be held at Rio Tinto Stadium where RSL has earned an 11-3-1 (34 points) record in 2019, including a 4-1-1 (13 points) record in its last six outings in Sandy. RSL will host LA Galaxy (8 West) and Houston (11 West).
The club still has to travel to Minnesota United (4 West), New England (7 East) and the Vancouver Whitecaps who have been eliminated from playoff contention.
RSL’s next task will come against Minnesota United in its first trip to Allianz Field on Sunday, September 15 where if RSL is to claim three points, it will maintain second place in the West. Tickets to the club's next home match against the Galaxy on September 25 are available at RSL.com or by calling 844.REAL.TIX.
