Talkin Real: Why has RSL jumped up into first place in the west?

SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — Why is Real Salt Lake so much better this year and will they handle a two week break better than they did a year ago? Pablo Mastroeni answers those questions and more in this edition of Talkin' Sports.

Last year RSL had a great run of form from April 22nd to July 22nd going 13-2-7 across all competitions. But RSL lost 4-0 at LAFC and also lost Pablo Ruiz to an injury in that game, triggering a brutal 1-5 stretch. Flash forward to 2024 and RSL is again enjoying a productive spring and early summer, with a 13-game unbeaten streak in Major League Soccer play. After a two-week break for international play, will Real Salt Lake continue to dominate, or will they struggle as they did last year? Pablo Mastroeni has a definitive answer for that question.

The other question on the lips of RSL fans everywhere is, why is the team better this year? Certainly, Chicho Arango is having massive year with 16 goals and 9 assists at mid-season. Opposing defenses can't completely devote themselves to stopping Chicho because Andres Gomez is having a breakout year with 8 goals and 6 assists. Obviously, left back Alexandros Katranis is able to cover a lot of ground and has allowed the team to change attacking shapes and throw more players forward. But asked why RSL is better, Head Coach Pablo Mastroeni and defensive midfielder Emeka Eneli provided detailed answers that went beyond any one player. Instead, they embraced a tactical shift, individual talent and psychology. Listen to their answers in this edition of Talkin' Real.

Remember, Real Salt Lake is back in action Saturday June 15th in Montreal at 5:30MT and then Wednesday June 19th at Sporting Kansas City. RSL returns home on Saturday, June 22nd to host the Los Angeles Galaxy at 7:30 at America First Field. The Utah Royals are back in action Sunday June 16th when they travel to San Jose to play NWSL expansion twin, Bay FC. You can watch the Royals and Bay FC at 8pm on KMYU.

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