by Max Jeppesen
A 3-0 win over cross-state rivals gets Real Salt Lake back into seventh place in the Western Conference. Although plenty of games are ahead, the win would put RSL into a playoff position if it started tomorrow.
Head coach Freddy Juarez emphasized after the game how this was a great team game. He explained how everyone stepped up when needed and played their role. He was happy with midfielder Nick Besler whose performance was not in the spotlight but was brilliant as the holding midfielder.
It is no surprise that Juarez has been impressed with Besler. When he signed with the Real Monarchs in 2017, he quickly became a vital part of the team as the captain when they won the USL Championship in 2019. The coach at the time for the Monarchs was none other than Juarez.
For Besler, this win was a massive performance from him. He recently signed a contract extension and has struggled to find consistency at the MLS level.
Since making his debut back in June, Bobby Wood has made six appearances and two starts. His performance tonight gives us an idea of what to expect from Bobby in the future as he hopes to maintain this run of form.
Freddy went on to congratulate Bobby Wood on his first-ever goal for Real Salt Lake. Wood remained calm and collected. He is hungry for more goals.
Wood reflected on the midweek performance against the LA Galaxy and recognized the different mentality they had against the Rapids.
“We fought hard,” Wood said. “We didn’t make the same mistakes we did during the week versus the LA Galaxy. If we keep up this mentality from last game, we will get points.”
For RSL fans everywhere, this is a result that has been anticipated for months now. The new signings are settling into the team well and are ready to contribute.
Photo courtesy Real Salt Lake.