Our prediction for this MLS match:
America First Field will host Thursday’s MLS game between Real Salt Lake and Minnesota United, the two teams who are sitting in the playoffs berth. The Royals are eager to overtake Los Angeles FC in second place and we are positive that they will adopt an attack-oriented strategy against Minnesota. Diogo Goncalves is pushing for a start after scoring as a substitute in a 2-2 draw with Austin FC, while both Bonilla and Ruiz continue to miss out with injuries.
The Loons, on the other hand, aim to build on back-to-back wins over Sporting Kansas City and Colorado Rapids, but given their negative record at America First Field, we predict that the hosts are going to grabe valuable three points. To make things even worse for the away team, experienced forward Teemu Pukki remains on the sidelines with injury.
Highlighted Player (Wil Trapp):
Wil Trapp is an American footballer who plays for Columbus Crew in MLS as a midfielder. Born in Columbus, Ohio, Trapp played for Akron Zips during his college career and in 2013 he returned to his hometown club Columbus Crew. Over the years the 173-cm tall footballer has established himself as a first-team regular and thanks to his thrilling performances in the Major League Soccer, he earned a place in the USA national team.
Wil Trapp made his USA debut on January 28, 2015 in a 3-2 loss to Chile. The Columbus man did well to wear captain’s armband in a friendly game against Bosnia and Herzegovina in January, 2018. Speaking of his club success, Trapp made it to the Eastern Conference play-offs with Columbus in 2015. His main position is defensive midfielder, but he is used as a centre midfielder as well.
The American footballer graduated from Lincoln High School where he was named the 2010 NSCAA National High School Player of the Year.
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.