It’s an interesting year for them. Kind of a transition year for them as they come into the West as well, which makes it an even bigger game being a Western Conference opponent. But let’s face it, they’re all big games from here on out. – RSL defender Tony Beltran, on Houston
SANDY — Separated by a single point in the Western Conference, RSL will host the Houston Dynamo with both teams desperately seeking the full three points as they jockey for position in the standings.
“(Houston) are just another great team. It just makes it even tougher,” said RSL manager Jeff Cassar. “They’re very well-organized, they work extremely hard and it’s another hard game at the end of the day.”
RSL is fresh of a quarterfinal victory over the LA Galaxy in the U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday night, while the Dynamo are coming off a 2-0 road win against San Jose in MLS play.
Houston’s offseason transitions, ranging from front office moves to coaching changes, as well as the switch back to the Western Conference this season, has been a quiet struggle for the club. Currently sitting outside of the playoff picture along with RSL, the Dynamo come to Utah as a dangerous opponent.
“It’s an interesting year for them. Kind of a transition year for them as they come into the West as well, which makes it an even bigger game being a Western Conference opponent,” said RSL defender Tony Beltran. “But let’s face it, they’re all big games from here on out.”
Cassar admitted that the Dynamo are still one of the clubs in MLS trying to assemble the perfect squad after a roller coaster offseason, but the quality is still there.
“I think there are a lot of teams that are still putting their squads together, magically it just doesn’t happen because you need some time, and I think Houston is one of those teams as well,” said Cassar. “What hasn’t changed is their quality. They still have some good veteran leadership with Brad Davis and some extremely talented players.”
A new page in Real Salt Lake's history begins Saturday night at Rio Tinto Stadium following the trade all-time leading scorer Alvaro Saborio.
“It was a whirlwind of a day. Nobody was expecting it,” admitted Beltran. “Sabo has been an incredible serviceman for this club. Credit to him. Thank you for the work he’s done, and we all wish him the best.”
Saborio was dealt to D.C. United for midfielder Luis Silva, who will be unavailable for Saturday’s clash with Houston.
“Historically we’ve had some good success here against Houston, but they’re a hard-nosed team,” said Beltran. “We’re prepared for a battle.”
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