Real Salt Lake’s Need For Signings Exemplified In Recent Home Loss

Jul 26, 2022, 1:40 PM

Real Salt Lake manager Pablo Mastroeni seen giving instruction on the sideline during his team's 1-0 defeat at home against FC Dallas on July 23. Photo courtesy: Laura Deardon of Real Salt Lake.

BY TOM HACKETT

KSL Sports

SALT LAKE CITY – The most recent home loss to FC Dallas further solidified the Real Salt Lake’s need for additional talent before the Secondary Transfer Window closes on August 4.

Real Salt Lake went down 1-0 in the 14th minute and was unable to score an equalizer. It was a frustrating performance for the home crowd to endure as Real Salt Lake dominated the game but failed to make the most of their numerous chances.

Time Is Ticking

With the Secondary Transfer Window open until August 4, Real Salt Lake could very much benefit from another signing or three, according to manager Pablo Mastroeni.

Bummer, RSL doing well, controlling well and creating opportunities. But the one defensive mistake is the difference here as RSL trail 0-1 with a little under 30 played #RSL

— RSL Show (@rslshow) July 24, 2022

“When you have three players go out, we want to obviously bring three players in,” Mastroeni said following the FC Dallas loss regarding the need for more players. “In all of those positions that went out. I think it is important as we move towards the latter part of the season to have depth, and not just depth but quality. To have competition, because every player that comes in creates a different kind of energy and you want competition until the end. The guys that have been here have done a fantastic job but it is always good to bring in some quality players and perk the ears up a little and get the fight going again.”

The player “lost” include Everton Luiz, Jonathan Menéndez, and Chris Kablan. Therefore, Mastroeni is looking to add a holding midfielder, a winger, and a right-back, if he were to make a like-for-like swap with those players who have departed.

Real Salt Lake Fans Cry For Strikepower

Fans of Real Salt Lake seem to be keen on bringing in another striker, especially considering Bobby Wood will be sidelined for at least another month, or so. Currently, Sergio Córdova has been the focal point in the attack and although he is more than capable to get the job done, he clearly operates at a higher level alongside another well-versed striker.

#RSL does need a striker… https://t.co/hGDnCLTFVp

— Mike Miller (@MillerMike123) July 26, 2022

Jefferson Savarino has been playing alongside Córdova for the past two weeks and has received a lot of touches on the football but it playing slightly out of position. Rubi Rubin has not seen the minutes he became accustomed to last year and is low on confidence and subsequently low on form.

Real Salt Lake needs another striker to accommodate Córdova.

The club is also after a holding midfielder. Pablo Ruiz and Löffelsend have been holding it down in the heart of the midfield. However, the club is concerned that Löffelsend will slowly break down as the season progresses. The first-year rookie has endured a lot of minutes up until this point in 2022 and his body is not used to the rigors of the long MLS season.

A veteran defensive midfielder would be a perfect fit for the Mastroeni system.

Time is running out and the club must make a move shortly. However, no rumors have appeared and as time continues to pass, the likelihood of an incoming player weakens.