Real Salt Lake has seen new levels of success in the last two matches, scoring 10 goals in road wins over the LA Galaxy and Portland Timbers.
After the 4-1 win over Portland on Wednesday, Tony Beltran was enthused about the progress that the team has made in a short time under Head Coach Mike Petke, but stopped short of saying he was happy with all aspects of the way the team has been playing.
“What’s most important is we can do better,” Beltran said. “This group can do better.”
That’s a bold statement from a team that has exploded on the offensive end with production coming from all over the field. The offensive highlight has been seven combined goals from Joao Plata, Jefferson Savarino and Albert Rusnák in those two matches.
Many factors have played into RSL’s recent turn of fortune. And while the club has played well in spurts without getting results, Petke has emphasized the process from his first day in training back in April. Having a mostly healthy squad in tow has aided that process lately.
“We have a full roster now,” Petke said. “We have guys that make guys fight for their spot and it raises the level in practice every week. So it’s a joy. It’s a joy that we’re finally putting things together. You just sense once we get everyone back and healthy and we’re fighting for positions, the talent is there. It’s a joy to watch.”
After two rewarding away victories, RSL now returns home for three straight matches against Sporting Kansas City, Columbus Crew SC and the Houston Dynamo. With those matches comes an urgency that, when paired with the confidence that comes from the previous two matches points to progress for RSL.
“Mike has instilled a belief in this side. It’s been infectious and winning has been infectious and I think now that we have that feeling we want to keep it going,” Beltran said.
Saturday’s meeting with Kansas City is scheduled for an 8 p.m. MT kickoff and will feature a post-game fireworks show to commemorate Pioneer Day.
