Do-or-Die in Minnesota: Real Salt Lake fights to keep playoff hopes alive

Salt Lake City, Utah – Real Salt Lake, whose season is on the line, will face Minnesota United FC on Saturday night in a matchup they must win in order to maintain their prospects of making the playoffs.

On Tuesday night in Sandy, the teams played to their sixth consecutive draw, but Minnesota won a penalty shootout to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series.

Goalie Zac MacMath, who kept his team in it with six saves, including a spectacular double stop in the 83rd minute to preserve the tie and force penalty kicks, was named Real Salt Lake’s Man of the Match. Then, in the shootout, he stopped Minnesota captain Michael Boxall’s penalty to give RSL the advantage, but they were unable to take advantage of it.

Having recorded three shutouts in his previous four games, MacMath had no desire to accept any recognition. He also refused to acknowledge that it is difficult to play with a defensive lineup that is always changing in front of him.

After Tuesday’s game, he stated, “My job is to give them as much information and help them as much as possible; whoever is playing in front of me did a great job defending.” “We are prepared, and hopefully we can maintain another shutout against whoever plays on Saturday.”

After serving a three-match suspension for spitting in Boxall’s direction during a regular season encounter on October 2, left-footed central defender Brayan Vera is now eligible for selection. RSL would have a more reliable back line with Vera back, enabling breakout star Emeka Eneli to resume his natural midfield position in time for a game that requires midfield dominance.

For supporters, this game is crucial because a victory in Minnesota would force RSL to return home for a pivotal Game 3 on Friday. The goal for Real Salt Lake is straightforward: win and stay in the game, or let their hopes of making the playoffs in St. Paul fade.

Matt “Tree” Crooks, a central midfielder, declared following Friday morning’s practice, “We’ll give it our all.” The guys will give it their all, and maybe we can bring it home. “Performances come and go, but if you’re giving it 100% effort that’s all you can really ask for.”

Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minnesota, will host kickoff on Saturday at 7 p.m. MT. The game will be shown on MLS Season Pass and Apple TV+. “Tio Max” Bretos and RSL great Brian “Dunny” Dunseth will commentate.