Verdict: Draw
Best odds: 17/5
Bookmaker: BetUS
Real Salt Lake clash with Los Angeles Galaxy at America First Field on Sunday in a pivotal top-of-the-table MLS Western Conference match.
The two teams played 2-2 draws in their previous two encounters, but the hosts will be particularly eager to secure a win this time and extend their home winning streak.
Real Salt Lake
Real Salt Lake returned to winning ways with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Sporting Kansas City at Children’s Mercy Park in their previous match.
RSL took an early lead through Andrés Gómez, but Stephen Afrifa soon equalized. Anderson Julio then restored the visitors’ advantage just before half-time. Gómez struck again to widen the lead, but Kansas City’s William Agade netted twice, narrowing the scoreline. Matt Crooks added a fourth for RSL before Agade completed his brace in stoppage time. Despite the late pressure, Pablo Mastroeni’s men held on to claim a crucial three points.
This win ended Real Salt Lake’s five-game winless streak away from home. They now lead the Western Conference with 37 points from 19 MLS matches, three points ahead of Los Angeles FC, who have a game in hand.
Unbeaten in their last 15 league games, with nine wins and six draws, the Claret and Cobalt aim to continue their strong form against LA Galaxy on Sunday.
In their last five encounters, three have ended in draws, with each side claiming one win. RSL’s most recent victory over LA Galaxy came in the US Open Cup in June 2023.
Team News
Real Salt Lake will be missing key players for this game. Goalkeeper Gavin Beavers and midfielder Diego Luna are on international duty.
They will also be without several injured players: Marcelo Silva (hamstring), Pablo Ruiz (knee), and Justen Glad (ankle) have all been ruled out. Defender Erik Holt remains unavailable due to a hamstring injury sustained in February, and Kevin Bonilla continues his lengthy recovery from injury.
Los Angeles Galaxy
LA Galaxy have rebounded from their early June loss to Chicago Fire with two consecutive wins. They now sit third in the Western Conference with 34 points, equal with second-place city rivals Los Angeles FC, who hold a game in hand.
Greg Vanney’s side showcased their prowess with a 2-0 victory over New York City FC on Wednesday at Dignity Health Sports Park, extending their home winning streak to nine games.
However, their performance away from home has been inconsistent, securing just three victories out of 10 away matches and suffering three losses.
Despite their away challenges, the Galaxy will aim to replicate their previous league success at Real Salt Lake. They need to avoid a second consecutive away defeat this year after the loss to Chicago Fire.
Team News
The Galaxy will be without playmaker Riqui Puig due to a groin injury, Gaston Brugman because of a knee injury, and Jonathan Perez, who is recovering from a hamstring issue.
Diego Fagundez and Dejan Joveljic, who scored in the match against New York City FC, will aim to continue their scoring form on Sunday.
Conclusion
It should be another closely contested match between two sides of equal quality. Another draw feels like the likeliest outcome.
Verdict: Draw
Best odds: 17/5
Bookmaker: BetUS
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