Houston Dynamo and Real Salt Lake clash at Shell Energy Stadium on November 11 in a win-or-go-home game three in MLS Cup playoffs.
Houston triumphed 2-1 at home in game one, as goals from veteran midfielder Hector Herrera and Amine Bassi propelled the Western Conference team to victory. Salt Lake’s Diego Luna pulled one back in the second half, but Bassi struck in the last 10 minutes of normal time to seal the win for Houston.
Game two was also a close encounter, as Bassi was on the scoresheet once again to give his team the lead in the first half. Jefferson Savarino’s marvelous free kick brought the game to level terms, and Luna would equal the series at one apiece after slotting home his penalty kick in the shootout as RSL prevailed 1-1 (5-4).
Will Houston come out on top at home, or will will RSL shock the MLS world with a road upset in the postseason?
Houston Dynamo vs Real Salt Lake H2H record
Last meeting: Real Salt Lake 1-1 (5-4) Houston Dynamo (6 November 2023 – MLS Cup playoffs)
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United States |
Apple TV – MLS Season Pass |
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United Kingdom |
Apple TV – MLS Season Pass |
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Apple TV + |
Ifunanyachi Achara is still recovering from a knee injury suffered back in March, and he’s expected to return to action later this month.
In his absence, Dynamo boss Ben Olsen will look to rely on Nelson Quinones and Ivan Franco to make things happen on the wings.
Houston Dynamo predicted lineup vs Real Salt Lake (4-2-3-1): Clark; Dorsey, Sviatchenko, Micael, Escobar; Artur, Herrera; Carrasquilla, Bassi, Quinones; Baird.
Marcelo Silva is dealing with a knock but should be fit for the next round of the postseason should RSL progress, while star midfielder Pablo Ruiz remains sidelined as he’s recovering from a knee injury suffered in August.
Salt Lake head coach Pablo Mastroeni will call on the likes of Braian Ojeda and Savarino in Ruiz’s absence, while Nelson Palacio will continue to see more minutes while Silva remains out of action.
Real Salt Lake predicted lineup vs Houston Dynamo (4-4-2): MacMath; Brody, Glad, Vera, Oviedo; Gomez, Ojeda, Palacio, Luna; Savarino, Julio.
Game three between these two sides is bound to be close like the first two, but even more entertaining given the stakes at hand.
Both sides will create an abundance of chances, with the home side narrowly picking out a last-minute winner to advance to the Western Conference semi-finals. Houston have proven to be a different team at Shell Energy Stadium, and this contest will be no different.
Prediction: Houston Dynamo 3-2 Real Salt Lake
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