Will Real Salt Lake Clinch a Playoff Spot in MLS? Discover the Odds!

Real Salt Lake (RSL) faces a challenging road ahead to secure a playoff spot in Major League Soccer (MLS), with current odds suggesting their chances are less than favourable. As of now, RSL has a 48.6% chance of earning a wildcard position and only a 36% shot at making the playoffs, according to Opta’s TheAnalyst.com. With just six matches left in the regular season, head coach Pablo Mastroeni emphasises the need for his team to “almost win out” to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Last updated: 15 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• RSL currently sits 10th in the Western Conference with 34 points.
• They need to maximise their points from the remaining six matches to stand a chance of making the playoffs.
• Upcoming fixtures include two matches against fifth-place LAFC.
• RSL is one point behind San Jose and five points behind Colorado for a playoff spot.
• Team performance has been commendable, with a focus on strong execution and problem-solving on the field.

Current Standing and Playoff Picture

As of mid-October, RSL finds itself in a precarious position in the Western Conference of MLS. With a record of 10 wins, 14 losses, and 4 draws, the team has accumulated only 34 points. This places them in 10th place, just outside the playoff positions. The current standings show RSL trailing closely behind:

• San Jose (9th, 35 points)
• Colorado (8th, 39 points)
• Austin FC (7th, 41 points)

With only six games remaining, every match becomes crucial. The need to gather maximum points is clear, as head coach Mastroeni and defender Alex Katranis both recognise the importance of winning out to have any chance of advancing.

Upcoming Challenges

RSL's immediate challenge lies in facing LAFC, one of the stronger teams in the league, currently sitting in fifth place. Mastroeni acknowledges, “LAFC is a great team; they’re flying at the moment.” The matches against LAFC will not only test RSL's resolve but also their ability to execute effectively under pressure.

Following the LAFC encounters, RSL will have home games against Austin and Colorado, which are critical fixtures for their playoff ambitions. Closing out the season with a challenging road trip to Seattle and St. Louis adds further pressure, especially given Seattle's strong position in the standings.

The Importance of Momentum

Mastroeni believes that momentum plays a significant role in the league, stating, “I think this league is a streaky league.” The ability to string together wins is essential, and after picking up three crucial points against Sporting Kansas City, the team is looking to build on that success. The head coach expressed confidence in his players, highlighting their teamwork and problem-solving skills during matches.

Katranis's simple calculation of needing “eighteen points” from the remaining matches underscores the urgency of the situation. A focused approach in each game is critical, as RSL cannot afford to drop points if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive.

What Happens Next?

The coming weeks will be pivotal for RSL. They must navigate a demanding schedule that includes facing top-tier opponents while also managing the pressure of playoff aspirations. The team's performance in these matches will likely determine their fate for the season. Mastroeni's emphasis on execution and teamwork will be key as they look to overcome these challenges.

Conclusion

As Real Salt Lake heads into the final stretch of the regular season, their playoff chances hinge on their ability to secure maximum points from every remaining game. With a tough schedule ahead and the pressure mounting, the resilience and determination of the team will be put to the test. Can RSL rise to the occasion and turn their fortunes around? Only time will tell.

#RSL #MLSPlayoffs #Soccer

FAQs

What are Real Salt Lake's chances of making the playoffs?

Real Salt Lake currently has a 36% chance of making the playoffs, with a 48.6% likelihood of earning a wildcard spot.

How many points does RSL need to secure a playoff position?

RSL aims to gather a maximum of 18 points from their remaining six matches to improve their chances of qualifying for the playoffs.

Who are RSL's upcoming opponents?

RSL will face LAFC, followed by home games against Austin and Colorado, and then finish the season with away matches against Seattle and St. Louis.

What is the current standing of RSL in the Western Conference?

As of now, RSL is in 10th place in the Western Conference, with a total of 34 points.

What did coach Pablo Mastroeni say about the team's performance?

Mastroeni expressed confidence in the team's execution and problem-solving abilities, noting that they must maintain momentum to achieve their playoff goals.