If defense wins championships, then Real Salt Lake has reason to be optimistic in the MLS Cup Playoffs.
Currently the hottest defensive team remaining in the postseason, RSL has a difficult task ahead in overtaking the LA Galaxy for a spot in the Western Conference Championship series. However, with four straight shutouts and a 403-minute shutout streak, it’s no wonder the team is confident heading into the second leg of the Western Conference Semifinal series on Sunday at the StubHub.
RSL has not allowed a goal in the last four matches, including a scoreless draw against Galaxy in the first leg on Saturday. No Western Conference team has allowed fewer than four goals in the last four matches, with the Galaxy letting in six goals and going winless at 0-2-2 in that stretch.
That defensive prowess should come as no surprise. Salt Lake’s back six – including goalkeeper Nick Rimando, defenders Tony Beltran, Nat Borchers, Chris Schuler and Chris Wingert and holding midfielder Kyle Beckerman – have played together since Schuler joined the league in 2010.
That group has contributed to RSL earning three different shutout streaks of at least 285 minutes this season. The current run of 403 minutes is second only to the 433-minute run that Vancouver Whitecaps FC went on to close out the regular season and into the Knockout Round match against FC Dallas.
In addition, the team has proven a tough beat in postseason play.
Rimando has allowed just five goals in his last eight playoff appearances, including four shutouts and two 120-minute matches, making for a 0.58 goals against average dating back to the 2012 season. His 13 career playoff shutouts rank second on the all-time MLS list, just two behind Kevin Hartman in the top spot and even with Zach Thornton.
This season, he posted a league-best mark with a 1.04 goals against average to go with a 13-4-7 record and seven shutouts.
Kickoff in Sunday’s match is scheduled for 5:30 pm MT from the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. The match will be televised live on ESPN2 with local radio coverage on ESPN 700 and La Gran D 102.3 FM (Spanish).
