The upcoming MLS match between Real Salt Lake and Seattle Sounders FC is set to be an intriguing encounter as both teams look to secure their first league win of the season. Here’s a detailed preview:
Game Overview
- Teams: Real Salt Lake (0-1-0) vs. Seattle Sounders FC (0-0-1)
- Date and Time: Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. ET.
- Venue: America First Field, Sandy, Utah.
- Broadcast: Available on Apple TV (MLS Season Pass).
Team Form and Key Stats
- Real Salt Lake: RSL had a rough start to the season, suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat to the San Jose Earthquakes in their opening match. This loss highlighted defensive vulnerabilities and a lack of cohesion in attack. Additionally, RSL has struggled in competitive outings this year, including an early exit from the CONCACAF Champions Cup. However, they will look to bounce back in their home opener, where they have historically performed well, winning four of their last five home matches against Seattle.
- Seattle Sounders FC: The Sounders began their campaign with a 2-2 draw against Charlotte FC. Despite a brace from Jordan Morris, defensive lapses, including a stoppage-time own goal, cost them the win. Seattle has been active in multiple competitions this year, including the CONCACAF Champions Cup, where they advanced past Antigua GFC. However, they have struggled at America First Field, failing to score in their last five visits.
Head-to-Head Matchup
- Real Salt Lake has had the upper hand in recent home encounters, winning four of the last five meetings against Seattle in Utah. The most recent clash between these teams ended in a 1-1 draw at Lumen Field in May 2024, with Albert Rusnák scoring for Seattle and Andrés Gómez equalizing for RSL in stoppage time.
Players to Watch
- Real Salt Lake:
- Foster Ajago: The forward scored in RSL’s recent CONCACAF Champions Cup match and will be key to their attacking efforts.
- Rafael Cabral: The goalkeeper will need to step up after a tough outing against San Jose.
- Seattle Sounders FC:
- Jordan Morris: Coming off a two-goal performance, Morris will be a constant threat in the attack.
- Albert Rusnák: The former RSL captain will look to make an impact against his old team, especially after assisting in Seattle’s opener.
Team News
- Real Salt Lake: RSL faces injury concerns, with Matthew Bell (hamstring) and Ariath Piol (hamstring) sidelined. Head coach Pablo Mastroeni may make changes to the lineup, with Ajago and Cabral likely to retain their spots.
- Seattle Sounders FC: Reed Baker-Whiting remains out with a hamstring injury, but the Sounders otherwise have a relatively healthy squad. Morris and Rusnák are expected to lead the attack.
Real Salt Lake + 123 Seattle Sounders FC + 210 Draw + 255
Over 2.5 – 106 Under 2.5 – 116
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, February 28, 2025
