Football Season Guide

Real Salt Lake would suffer yet another frustrating 2017 Major League Soccer campaign, finishing down in eighth position in the Western Conference table, and failing to make the playoffs by just 1 point. Having previously made it to at least the playoff semi-final stage for seven seasons running between 2008-2014, this marks the second time in three years that Real failed to make the playoffs at all. Salt Lake would once again suffer from the absence of a prolific goal scorer, with this being the third season running that their top scorer has failed to reach double figures. Albert Rusnak’s meagre total of 7 goals would be enough to win him the award this season, with the club most definitely needing to strengthen for the 2018 campaign. In terms of outgoings, Salt Lake don’t appear to have lost any big names going into the start of the season, which bodes well for their chances. Defenders, Chris Schuler and Aaron Maund have both been moved on, with others such as experienced striker Chad Barrett having left on a free following his injury plagued season. Head coach, Mike Petke, has meanwhile brought in a number of names, some of which could prove to be valuable additions to the squad. Croatian midfielder, Damir Kreilach, makes the switch from Union Berlin, where he made nearly 150 appearances. Defender, Marcelo Silva, also joins from Europe, signing from Spanish side Real Zaragoza. 19 year old Pablo Ruiz could also be an exciting prospect to watch for the future. He comes in from Chilean first division side, San Luis.