Real Salt Lake is in the final days of its 2019 preseason and it has been one of the most road-heavy preseasons in recent memory. Over the last six weeks, RSL made its first trip to Hawaii, adding to the growing list of preseason destinations that has already included trips to Argentina, California, Florida, South Carolina and, most frequently, Arizona.
At each stop, RSL has focused on varying items of business both on and off the field. From front to back, to the culture within the team and organization, the club has set its sights on a championship in its 15th season in Major League Soccer.
On Saturday, RSL will face the Portland Timbers in its final tuneup match before the regular season commences on March 9 in Houston. The match against the Timbers provides RSL with an opportunity to put the final preparations on the long preseason.
“Everyone is feeling good ahead of the match against Portland,” RSL defender Justen Glad said. “This game gives us a chance to put together everything that we’ve been working for during the preseason. From front to back, we’re going to look to break them down.”
How to Follow Real Salt Lake vs. FC Dallas – Wed., February 20, 2019
- Coverage Begins: 5:00 p.m. MT
- Local TV: N/A
- Digital Streaming: KSL TV App, RSL.com
- English Radio: N/A
- Spanish Radio: N/A
- Social Media:@RealSaltLake on Twitter
In its last outing, RSL fell narrowly to Western Conference foe FC Dallas with most players playing 90 minutes in a squad built primarily of players who featured for about 15 minutes against USL Championship side Phoenix Rising FC four days prior. Against Portland fans can expect to see players feature for 90 minutes to emulate what match fitness is required before the beginning of the regular season.
Portland, a familiar opponent to RSL, topped the Utah side in each of its two matches against RSL last season. The two teams have played one another a total of 20 times in the regular season, each team winning seven matches with six draws apiece.
RSL opens the 2019 regular season on the road at the Houston Dynamo on March 2 beginning at 4:00 p.m. MT before opening the home portion of its 2019 regular season schedule on March 9 when it hosts Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Tickets are available now at RSL.com or by calling 844.REAL.TIX.
