Real Salt Lake, Seattle Meet in Highly Anticipated Rematch
Both Aiming for First Victory
Last season, Real Salt Lake pulled off a couple of upsets in the MLS Playoffs, including eliminating the Seattle Sounders. Now, the expectations around the Utah-based team are much higher. So much, that they’re offering a +140 price in the sportsbook to defeat Seattle, again, this Saturday.
The Sounders are bound to win after starting the new season on the wrong foot. That makes them an even more tempting underdog, especially at +200.
Good Start for Real Salt Lake
Real Salt Lake isn’t among the favorites to win the MLS Cup. However, they rank quite high on the dark horses’ list. We’re talking about a postseason team that’s now offering a +3300 price.
They started the season with a goalless draw against the Houston Dynamo. Not bad considering it was on the road and the home side controlled possession. Finishing with a clean sheet is a huge confidence boost for them. Last season, no other postseason team allowed more goals than them with 54.
That’s why RSL went out and signed center back Johan Kappelhof. He played for the Chicago Fire between 2016 and 2021 and was named an All-Star in 2017. RSL also signed striker Sergio Cordova and midfielder Scott Caldwell. Having a more balanced roster can make a huge difference.
The front office also made a huge effort to retain Damir Kreilach. Last season, he finished among the league’s top scorers with 16 goals. Expectations around him are also very high.
Kreilach & Co. definitely feel more comfortable playing at Rio Tinto Stadium. Last tournament, they won five more games at home than on the road, finishing with a goal-differential of +9. That’s the main reason for them to come in as the slight soccer betting favorites.
No major injuries to report hre. Real Salt Lake projected lineup: Zac MacMath; Erik Holt, Justen Glad, Marcelo Silva; Andrew Brody, Scott Caldwell, Pablo Ruiz, Tate Schmitt; Damir Kreilach, Bobby Wood, Justin Meram.
Seattle Sounders to Get Back on Track
The Seattle Sounders started on the wrong foot after losing 1-0 to Nashville SC at home. They couldn’t react after Anibal Godoy scored the winning goal with only 10 minutes left.
“Some pieces weren’t in sync. We didn’t create enough tempo, at least not until they scored. We can’t wait for our opponents to score in order to react. That’s a concrete thing we’re going to work on,” said head coach Brian Schmetzer to the press.
He’s not wrong, but there’s no need to panic. A week earlier, this same team crushed Motagua 5-0 in the CONCACAF Champions League. Nicolas Lodeiro, Cristian Roldan, Jordan Morris, Kelyn Rowe, and Leo Chu were the scorers.
Keep in mind that none of them is the team’s top scorer. That title belongs to Raul Ruidiaz, who scored 17 goals last season. Also, Seattle is among the best defensive teams in the league. No other team in the Western Conference allowed fewer goals than them during the last regular season with 33.
The Sounders at +200 is a great opportunity for you to recover from last week’s low blow. That’s in case you included them in your soccer picks. This time, if Seattle wins straight up, your payout per every $100 bet would be $300.
No major injuries to report here either. Seattle Sounders projected lineup: Stefan Frei; Alex Roldan, Yeimar Gomez, Xavier Arreaga, Nouhou Tolo; Cristian Roldan, Obed Vargas, Albert Rusnak, Nicolas Lodeiro, Jordan Morris; Raul Ruidiaz.
Real Salt Lake vs Seattle Sounders Head to Head
- Previous Matches: 37
- Colorado Rapids Victories: 14 (39 goals)
- Atlanta United Victories: 15 (40 goals)
- Draws: 8
As I mentioned before, they met for the last time in the postseason. The game ended 0-0, then Real Salt Lake won the penalty shootout 6-5. Kelyn Rowe missed, while Justen Glad scored the winning goal.
Prior to that, they met twice in the regular season, and each team won at home. First, Seattle won 2-1 at Lumen Field with goals from Cristian Roldan and Raul Ruidiaz. Then, RSL 1-0 won at Rio Tinto Stadium with a goal from Damir Kreilach.
Real Salt Lake vs Seattle Sounders Game Information
- Date: Saturday, March 5
- Time: 6 p.m. ET
- Location: Rio Tinto Stadium, Utah
- Real Salt Lake vs Seattle Sounders Live Stream: fuboTV
Real Salt Lake vs Seattle Sounders Betting Lines
| Team | Handicap | Moneyline | Total | Team Total |
| Real Salt Lake | pk -140 | +140 | 2½ -105o | 1½ +150o
1½ -180u |
| Seattle | pk +110 | +215 | 2½ -125u | 1½ +190o
1½ -240u |
| Draw | +230 |
Real Salt Lake vs Seattle Sounders Prediction
What Real Salt Lake did last season was great. However, I’ve no doubt that the Seattle Sounders are the better team. The visitors are more consistent and it’s not likely for them to lose two games in a row. I expect Raul Ruidiaz to wake up and lead them to victory, but not without a proper fight from RSL.
If you were looking for an underdog to include in your betting online ticket, look no further.
