Our prediction for this MLS match:
Houston Dynamo
Match Time & Date:
28/02/2022
01:00
Prediction: 2-1
Real Salt Lake
BBVA Compass Stadium will host Monday’s football game between Houston Dynamo and Real Salt Lake, the two teams who meet in the season opener. Houston were having their ups and downs in pre-season, but reputable bookies still see them as favourites to kick off the 2022 MLS campaign with a win. El Naranja should continue to rely on experienced attacker Fafa Picault, who scored 11 goals in the 2021 season, while new signing Carlos Ferreira is eager to make his MLS debut.
The Royals, on the other hand, failed to impress in pre-season, with the team losing to both Viking and Portland Timbers, while sharing the spoils with Minnesota United and their Monday’s rivals Houston Dynamo. A man to watch in the away team will be Damir Kreilach, who scored 16 goals in the Major League Soccer last term, but we do not believe that Real Salt Lake are capable of shocking Houston Dynamo, who are a real force to be reckoned with at home.
Highlighted Player (Justin Meram):
Over the years Justin Meram has established himself as one of the best Iraqi footballers. The centre forward, who is capable of playing as a winger as well, was born in Shelby Charter Township, Michigan on December 4, 1988, but he represents Iraq on the international stage.
During his college career Justin Meram played for the likes of Yavapai Roughriders and Michigan Wolverines and in 2011 he joined MLS club Columbus Crew. Meram scored 37 goals in 188 appearances for the club in MLS before signing a deal with Orlando City in January, 2018.
The Iraq international made his debut for the Lions in a 1-1 draw with DC United on March 4 and he scored his first goal for the club on May 14 in a 2-1 loss to Atlanta United. As for his international career, Justin Meram made his Iraq debut in November, 2014 in a 1-0 defeat to Kuwait. The Orlando City attacker wears the number 9 shirt.
Highlighted Team (Real Salt Lake):
Real Salt Lake joined Major League Soccer in 2005 as an expansion team of the league and four years later they won their first MLS Cup. The Royals faced star-studded Los Angeles Galaxy in the title game at Qwest Field in Seattle and Jason Kreis’ troops defeated David Beckham and Co. on penalties.
In 2013 Real Salt Lake made it to the MLS Cup final for the second time in the club’s history, but they were beaten by Sporting Kansas City on penalties this time out. The Royals participated in the CONCACAF Champions League final in 2011 as well, but Monterrey of Mexico eventually won the title. Real Salt Lake footballers wear red shirts and blue shorts when playing at home, while the colour of their away kit is white.
The likes of Clint Mathis, Jeff Cunningham and Eddie Pope are some of the notable footballers who played for the club in the past. Jeff Cunningham scored 19 goals in 32 appearances in the league for the Royals.
