DC United vs Real Salt Lake

DC United and Real Salt Lake are set to square off at Audi Field in an intriguing Major League Soccer showdown.

Despite a disheartening four-game MLS form (W1, D1, L2), DC United head into this encounter occupying the penultimate playoff spot in the Eastern Conference but only one point clear of 10-placed Charlotte. On a slightly more promising note, since a 2-0 loss to Columbus Crew in early April, Wayne Rooney’s men have gone unbeaten in four straight home league matches, alternating between winning (2) and drawing (2) on each occasion. Having netted 2+ goals in three of those four outings, the hosts ought to be confident about extending a two-game unbeaten H2H run against Salt Lake (W1, D1). DC United kept a clean sheet in both of those meetings, yet they’re without a shutout in their last four MLS games, conceding multiple times in three of them.

In the meantime, visiting Real Salt Lake could only manage a dismal goalless home draw against New York City last time out, making it three competitive matches without losing in a row (W2, D1). But the visitors’ disappointing four-game MLS form is a reason for concern (W1, D2, L1) as they commence this round level on points with 9th-placed Sporting Kansas City in the Western Conference. Pablo Mastroeni’s men have blown hot and cold away from home this season (W3, D2, L3) but can still draw confidence from going unbeaten on their last four MLS travels (W2, D2). Mastroeni wouldn’t mind more composure from his players in the final third, having seen Salt Lake net only 1.12 goals per MLS trip this season.