Each Major League Soccer matchday in 2021, the KeyBank Scouting Report will give you a snapshot of the Portland Timbers’ next opponent. On Wednesday, the Portland Timbers travel to face Real Salt Lake at Rio Tinto Stadium. (7:30pm PT, ESPN2).
Team Form
Wednesday's game will have big implications for both teams in their quest for the Audi 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs. With a record of 13-13-6, Real Salt Lake find themselves in eighth place on 45 points on the outside, looking in. However, they trail Portland – who sit in fourth place – by only four points. Should LAFC lose or draw to Vancouver on Tuesday, Oct. 2, the Timbers will qualify. If Vancouver loses or draws with LAFC, Portland can clinch the fourth seed in the playoffs with a win over Salt Lake.
UPDATE (Nov. 2): Vancouver and LAFC drew 1-1 on Tuesday night which earned Portland a spot in the playoffs. On Wednesday, should the Timbers defeat RSL, they'll also clinch fourth place in the Western Conference and be assured of hosting a home match in Round One.
As for RSL, they'll be looking to stay in the race with a positive result.
Coming into the match, RSL is 2-3-0 over their last five games having most recently lost 4-3 to San Jose this past weekend. On the season, Portland is 2-0-0 against Salt Lake, most recently defeating them with a huge 6-1 result at Providence Park on Sept. 25.
In Attack
The Real Salt Lake offense has been strong all year. Their 53 goals scored is good for second in the Western Conference.
With six goals in his last eight matches, forward Damir Kreilach has been keeping the Claret-and-Cobalt afloat in their playoff chase. The Croatian forward has scored a career-high 15 goals in 2021– which is tops on the team – to go along with nine assists. Fellow forwards include Anderson Julio (8 goals) and Beaverton native Rubio Rubin (8 goals).
Midfielder Albert Rusnák has contributed 10 goals and has a team-high 11 assists on the year. The attack also features U.S. international Bobby Wood (2G, 1A) and Justin Meram (2G, 4A).
In Defense
Centerback Justen Glad has started and appeared in all but two of RSL's games this year and has also chipped in two goals. He also leads the team with 41 assists.
Former Timbers player Nick Besler has made 27 appearances for Salt Lake, often in midfield. At outside back, Homegrown defender Aaron Herrera has 27 starts and is tied with Rusnák for assists with 11.
In goal, David Ochoa has made 23 starts with a record of 10-9-4 and four clean sheets.
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