Over the course of the last two matches, Real Salt Lake’s defense has been solid, limiting the Portland Timbers and Seattle Sounders FC to a combined six shots on goal. It is no coincidence that those stout defensive performances have come since two-time MLS Best XI center back Jamison Olave returned to the lineup.
“He’s a top, top player. He’s a rock back there,” RSL captain Kyle Beckerman said after training on Tuesday. “We need him healthy and we need him on the field.”
Olave has been a great asset for the RSL defense since returning to the club this season. While injuries have limited the 34-year-old Colombian to just 15 starts this season, his impact in those matches has been clear. Salt Lake has posted a 0.85 goals against average with Olave on the field and while one man does not a defense make, his influence is undeniable.
Over the last 264 minutes that Olave has been on the field, RSL has not allowed a goal. That shutout streak is impressive and when extended further, the club has allowed just one goal in the 373 minutes that he has been playing.
Now well-rested, he showed what he is capable of against Seattle on several occasions.
“His presence, his closing down speed … He just makes the other forwards aware of him,” RSL Head Coach Jeff Cassar said. “Anytime you can throw a forward off their game a little bit and take away a little bit of their confidence, it’s going to be a big thing. I think Jamison does that for us, for sure.”
While his individual contributions have been important to RSL’s defensive successes this season, he is quick to point out the things that have worked for the collective instead of his own triumphs. He sees the things that helped RSL in the last two matches and notes that they will also be critical against an explosive, young FC Dallas side on Saturday.
“Keeping it compact – that’s the most important thing we are doing right now,” he said. “From the front to the back, everybody is defending. That’s very important for us.”
Olave and RSL take on FC Dallas on Saturday at 7 p.m. MT. The match will stream live on KUTV.com and will broadcast on tape-delay on KMYU at 10:30 p.m. MT. RSL will be hosting a viewing party for the live broadcast at the Gallivan Center beginning at 6 p.m. MT.
