Major League Soccer opened up its 22nd season this past weekend. While reigning powerhouses like Seattle and new big-spenders like Atlanta will nab the headlines, there are still plenty of narratives to watch for on the Wasatch Front. Here are six major storylines to keep a pulse on as 2017 unfolds.
1. Can Rusnak Replace Morales?
This is the biggest question in Utah right now. During the off-season, long-time RSL playmaker Javier Morales left for Dallas. Morales was the engine to RSL’s offense for a decade. Now all eyes and hopes are on Albert Rusnak, a budding 22-year old playmaker from Slovakia, to fill those big shoes. This storyline will decide RSL’s fate come October.
2. Can the Kids Cash In?
An incredible four first-team RSL players are currently with the US U-20 national team as they try to qualify for the U-20 World Cup. Despite loads of promise, few of the kids are tested. Justen Glad is the only player to record substantial minutes as a first-team pro. Succeeding in U-20 tournaments is one thing, succeeding as a pro is another. If the kids can translate their potential into on-the-field productivity, things will be looking up in the high desert.
3. The Evolution of Jeff Cassar.
Jeff Cassar is now entering his fourth year at the helm of Real Salt Lake. Under his watch, RSL has made the playoffs twice, but is yet to win a playoff match. Folks in Sandy are antsy and expecting Cassar to get the job done. A more focused Cassar this preseason points to a new mentality, but he needs a banner year to prove his mettle and prevent RSL from promoting possible head-coach-waiting-in-the-wings Mike Petke.
4. Who Will Man the Middle?
Rusnak’s role as the number 10 is clear. What isn’t so clear is who will line up behind him in RSL’s 4-2-3-1. MLS Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle expects Sunny Sunday and Kyle Beckerman to start, but Luke Mulholland has proved a tough player to not put on the field. Cassar is blessed with defensive mids but must find the proper combo.
5. Is a US Open Cup Finally in the Cards?
For years, RSL has talked a big game in making a run at the US Open Cup. Only twice have they made any noise in the tournament and neither time did they emerge victorious. With a lighter schedule this year, is this finally the year RSL will break through for US Open Cup hardware?
6. Will RSL put together a complete season?
RSL started very fast last year and the year before and the year before that. In all three years, the club faded down the stretch. 2015 marked the first time in 8 years the team did not make the playoffs. Both of the other two seasons ended in early playoff exits in LA. Will RSL have another fast start? And, more importantly, will they be able to finish the season strong?
