What we’re watching in Real Salt Lake vs. Nashville SC

Real Salt Lake face Nashville for the first time

Real Salt Lake are home and taking on Nashville SC in their second season in the league. RSL are coming off a late loss to San Jose, while Nashville are only one of three teams that have yet to lose this year. Granted, Nashville only have one win in their four games, so RSL may have a good shot at all three points.

Questionable defence

Aaron Herrera and Marcelo Silva are listed as questionable on this week’s injury report. We saw the backline without those two breakdown late against the Earthquakes last weekend. Without being in training, it’s unclear how Marcelo and Aaron are progressing, but those two starting is unlikely. It’s unfortunate, particularly as the center back drop off from Silva to Holt has been significant. Freddy may want to bring one or both of them back in for this game but the risk of further injury will likely outweigh the perceived benefit.

Julio

Anderson Julio is not on the injury report this week, questionable or otherwise. He was one of the most impressive in those first two RSL games. He has reportedly been in full training with RSL much of this week, but that doesn’t mean he’ll get the start. He may come in during the second half to replace someone, likely Meram.

Rusnak

Albert Rusnak has been a main focus of complaint around Real Salt Lake this season. With the MLS salaries being released this week, seeing Rusnak on $2.35m a year but has yet to prove himself an impactful player over the last two or so seasons is frustrating. He has yet to provide a goal or assist this year, and his other stats haven’t been great. He’s been given the captain’s armband, which is a symbol that really only has as much meaning as the club assigns to it, but it’s something the RSL Org seems to value. Watch to see what kind of impact he has and if he’s played at his preferred place at the 10 or if he’s at the wing during this game.

Injury report

Out: Everton Luiz
Questionable: Aaron Herrera, Marcelo Silva

Predicted lineup