The Opposition: Real Salt Lake
On Saturday, D.C. United (1-0-1, 4 pts.) will return to Audi Field to face Real Salt Lake (1-0-1, 4 pts.). The Black-and-Red remain undefeated this season, earning a win in their season opener against Atlanta United and playing to a scoreless draw last weekend against New York City FC. Here is all you need to know about their upcoming opponent.
Real Salt Lake are also undefeated in their first two matches of the season. They opened their season with a 1-1 draw against the Houston Dynamo on March 2, then had their home opener at Rio Tinto Stadium against the Vancouver Whitecaps on March 9, which ended in a 1-0 shutout win. Last season, Real Salt Lake snuck into the Western Conference playoffs, finishing in the No. 6 spot and beating out the L.A. Galaxy by one point. They made it all the way to the Conference Semifinals before losing 5-3 on aggregate to Sporting Kansas City.
Players to Watch
24-year-old Albert Rusnak has scored both goals this season for Real Salt Lake. The striker is in his third season with the team-- last year, he finished with ten goals and seven assists. Former D.C. United goalkeeper Nick Rimando will be between the posts for Real Salt Lake, where he has been since 2007. At 39-years-old, Rimando remains one of the best keepers in the league.
Head-to-Head
Real Salt Lake and D.C. United faced off once in 2018 at Rio Tinto Stadium. It was a heated match with Joseph Mora receiving a red card in the 22nd minute. Real Salt Lake ultimately won 3-2 despite goals fro, Paul Arriola and Steve Birnbaum. Corey Baird, Albert Rusnak, and Jefferson Savarino scored for Real Salt Lake.
D.C. United continue their 2019 campaign this Saturday, March 16 at Audi Field as the Black-and-Red take on Real Salt Lake on matchday 3.
