Football Season Guide

MLS

USA

MLS

2020

Real Salt Lake

In

Maikel Chang (mid) Real Monarchs, Alvin Jones (def) OKC Energy FC, Zac MacMath (gk) Vancouver Whitecaps, Milan Iloski (att) UCLA Bruins, Ashtone Morgan (def) Toronto FC, Jeizon Ramírez (att) Deportivo Táchira, Justin Meram (mid) Atlanta United

Out

Nick Rimando (gk) retired, Danilo Acosta (def) LA Galaxy, Jordan Allen (att) retired, Alex Horwath (gk) retired, Joao Plata (att) retired, Kelyn Rowe (def) New England Revolution, Brooks Lennon (def) Atlanta United, Sebastian Saucedo (att) Pumas UNAM, Jefferson Savarino (att) Atletico Mineiro

Salt Lake enjoyed a fine campaign last time out, despite off season strife when Mike Petke departed mid season due to disciplinary issues. They finished third in the conference before overcoming Portland Timbers in the play offs. RSL had strong issues in attack and were often let down by their inability to score. Rusnak, their top scorer, only managed 10 goals throughout the season. But he will be bolstered by new designated player Jeizon Ramirez. He will likely need time to adapt to the rigours of the MLS. Key to any success will be replacing Nick Rimando. The veteran goalkeeper retired at the end of last season. New keeper Zac MacMath is a solid player but may struggle to live up to Rimando's stature. Defence has not been sufficiently bolstered. Experienced midfielder Justin Meram is another core signing who will help to bulk out an already energetic midfield. Young players drafted in from the Monarchs reserve team and other lower league sides will play a key role in bulking out the squad. Maikel Chang, Alvin Jones and Milan Iloski will likely see game time.

Target

RSL will be looking to qualify for the play offs once again, though with a revamped forward line should be enough to send them one further providing MacMath can step up.