Our prediction for this MLS match:
Houston Dynamo will be aiming for their third consecutive clean sheet in MLS when they host Real Salt Lake at Shell Energy Stadium. The Orange Crush have tightened up defensively in recent matches, and despite the suspension of Franco Escobar, they will be confident in maintaining their solid form at the back. All Segal, Ennali, and Quinones are out of contention with injuries for the home side.
Real Salt Lake also head into this game with defensive momentum, having secured a 2-0 win in their previous league fixture. However, their attacking options are limited with key forward Cristian Arango sidelined due to injury, which may hinder their ability to break down a disciplined Houston defense. Given both teams’ recent defensive performances and the absence of key attacking players, this encounter is likely to be a tight, low-scoring affair. Taking everything into account, we are unlikely to see goals galore at Shell Energy Stadium.
Highlighted Player (Hector Herrera):
Mexico international Hector Herrera is a 26-year-old midfielder playing for Portugal giants FC Porto. Herrera began his career with Pachuca in 2010 and spent three years at the club before being sold to Porto. During his first season with the Dragons Herrera struggled for playing time, but he went on to cement his place in the starting eleven, becoming one of the most valuable players for the club.
Herrera has since them racked up over 110 performances for the Portugal side, scoring over 20 goals in the process. Full Mexico international since 2012, Hector Herrera represented his country at the 2014 World Cup.
During the summer of 2016 Herrera was heavily linked with a move away from Porto and was reported to have made a personal agreement with Italian side Napoli, but the €25 million asking price proved to be a stumbling block that ended up ruining the deal.
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.