Week 9 Power Rankings
Ahead of Week 9, RSL was dealing with numerous injuries, leaving a dent in the depth of the squad. DF Chris Wingert served as captain in place of injured MF Kyle Beckerman (calf). Beckerman joined an injury report that included GK Nick Rimando (hamstring), DF Justen Glad (knee), DF Tony Beltran (calf), DF David Horst (knee), FW Jordan Allen (hamstring) and FW Chad Barrett (knee). Facing a stiff defense at Sporting Kansas City the Claret-and-Cobalt wasn’t able to find the back of the net, but GK Matt VanOekel showed his prowess throughout the game as he came up with save after save. Was VanOekel’s performance to help RSL climb the power rankings charts? Check out the Week 9 Rankings and leave us a comment below:
MLSsoccer.com: – 18
“No shame in losing to a dominant Sporting KC team at Children’s Mercy Park. RSL are better than that and have a chance to show it at home this Saturday against the only undefeated team left in MLS: FC Dallas.”
ESPNFC: – 18
“Whatever bump RSL got from the arrival of manager Mike Petke is most decidedly gone. Getting thumped 3-0 in Kansas City has happened to better teams, and the Utahans were missing two key leaders. The loss still sees them drop a few places.”
SI.com: - 19
“Playing without Nick Rimando and Kyle Beckerman, Real Salt Lake fell 3–0 at Sporting KC on Saturday. That’s two losses in a row for RSL, with the team allowing six goals combined in those two games. The defense will need to tighten up, and quickly: FC Dallas visits Rio Tinto Stadium this weekend.”
