Football Season Guide

Last season started slow for RSL (W2 D0 L5). The form was eventually found in mid-season. Went on a 9-game unbeaten run right before the summer break and this secured a play-off berth. RSL finished 5th in their Conference but then got eliminated in the first round of the play-offs. RSL had a good run in the US Open Cup in 2023 too. Reached the semifinals and could have easily won this trophy with a bit more luck. Injuries to too many players at the same time played their part in the results but in his second full year in charge coach Pablo Mastroeni gradually increased the depth of his team. The off-season saw talented forwards Savarino, Rubin and Misovski leaving Salt Lake City. The team’s captain in 2023 Kreilach and another experienced European inner midfielder Löffelsend are also no longer in the squad. To add depth in midfield RSL made Matt Crooks their marquee signing. Most of the other new faces added so far are seen mainly as rotation options and not nailed on starters. Mastroeni likes to tinker with his formation a lot and more of the same can be expected from RSL this season. The gaffer also rotates often and that’s why he needs a big squad at his disposal. He has that and if Arango continues his hot scoring form from last autumn RSL will be play-off contenders again.