Real Salt Lake’s MLS Playoff fate will once again be decided on Decision Day. The Portland Timbers 2-1 loss against LAFC on Sunday created a “win and you’re in” scenario for RSL who face Portland in their final regular season home match on October 9.
If the Claret-and-Cobalt defeat the Timbers at America First Field next Sunday, the Club will be guaranteed a spot in the MLS Playoffs for the second consecutive season. Real Salt Lake qualified for the playoffs last season on Decision Day against Sporting Kansas City with Damir Kreilach scoring the playoff clinching goal with the last kick of the game in the 90+5’ minute.
This year, if RSL draw or lose against Portland, they will be eliminated from the playoffs. The Timbers have won four of the last five meetings against RSL, including ending RSL’s playoff run last year in the Western Conference finals. However in their previous meeting this year in Portland, RSL kept a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw.
Real Salt Lake is coming off a 1-1 draw against the Los Angeles Galaxy, and have everything to play for in their final match of the season.
If RSL defeats Portland, the Club will then be either the sixth or seventh seed depending on the outcome of the Vancouver Whitecaps vs Minnesota United match. If Vancouver wins, RSL will clinch the six seed and if Minnesota wins, RSL will clinch the seven seed.
Come join us and the rest of the Riot at America First Field on Sunday, October 9 for what’s surely to be another dramatic Decision Day. You can get your tickets here.
