Real Salt Lake vs. D.C. United
May 12, 2018; Rio Tinto Stadium
7:00 p.m. MT; KMYU, KSL.com, KSL app
RSL (3-5-1, 10 points); DC (1-4-2, 5 points)
Player to Watch – Winger Yamil Asad had seven goals and 13 assists in an explosive Atlanta United attack last year before making the move to D.C. in the offseason. Now he has two goals and two assists to highlight a potentially volatile D.C. United attack that has yet to find its stride, scoring just eight goals through the first seven matches. However, the Argentine Asad ensures the possibility for the offense to break free at a moment’s notice.
Matchup to Watch – Joao Plata vs. Nick DeLeon. The D.C. United right back is an attack-minded defender who converted from more of a midfield/forward role earlier in his career. On one hand, it could create room for Plata to attack on the offensive side. On the other, the combination of DeLeon and Asad on the right may force Plata to defend more than he is accustomed. All part of the chess match on the field.
All-Time Record – Real Salt Lake pulled ahead in the all-time series with a 1-0 win at RFK Stadium last year, moving to 8-7-5 against the MLS originals. That includes a 7-1-2 regular-season record at home and a 4-0-2 record at Rio Tinto Stadium.
Last 5 Overall – The two teams are split at 2-2-1 in the last five meetings, RSL outscoring D.C. 9-8 in those matchups.
