SANDY — It’s been five months since Nedum Onuoha was thrust into the national MLS spotlight when Zlatan Ibrahimovic dragged him to the ground by the back of his neck, heckled him after scoring and then later tried apologizing in RSL’s locker room — which Onuoha rejected.
The dust-up even made international headlines as the story was picked up in Onuoha’s native England, where Ibrahimovic played professionally as well.
Onuoha downplayed any significance of the Nedum vs. Zlatan rematch at Rio Tinto Stadium on Wednesday night.
“You can make it about certain players, but it’s about the teams, it’s always about the teams,” said Onuoha.
Considering that only one point separates fourth-place L.A. from fifth-place RSL in the Western Conference standings with three matches remaining in the regular season, neither player can afford to put personal issues ahead of the team goal of three points on Wednesday (7:30 p.m., KMYU).
Adding to the significance of the match, members of Real Salt Lake’s 2009 championship team will be honored before the match, including midfielder Javier Morales. At halftime, Morales’ name will be enshrined next to Jason Kreis above the West side luxury suites to celebrate the decade he spent with the club.
Morales didn’t depart the club on the best of terms after the 2016 season when RSL declined the option on his contract, but he said none of that matters now.
“I want to think about the good things and I spent here 10 years of my life playing for this beautiful club and I never had the chance to say goodbye to the fans, I never had that chance, and now I think it’s a good opportunity,” said Morales.
RSL interim coach Freddy Juarez hopes the presence of the 2009 championship team — which includes current players Nick Rimando and Kyle Beckerman — adds to the significance of the match.
“I hope the fans come out and pack the place and cheer on that group that brought the first star to the crest, a group that also got into a Champions League final, and got into another MLS final. They set the standard for the club and all we’re trying to do is come close to replicating that. We’re happy they’re here, we hope that adds a little more emotion,” Juarez said.
It’s a massive opportunity for both teams in their quest to secure a home playoff game in the MLS first round — awarded to seeds No. 2-4, with seeds No. 5-7 playing on the road.
Seattle currently sits in second place with 50 points, following by Minnesota (49), L.A. Galaxy (48) and Real Salt Lake (47).
After Wednesday, RSL wraps up the regular season with a home game this Sunday against Houston and then its final game at Vancouver the following Sunday.
Los Angeles’ final two games are also against Houston and Vancouver.
“For us, we’re at home, two home games left in the season you want to try and maximize everything you have,” said Onuoha.
Slowing down Ibrahimovic will be key as it is for every Galaxy opponent. The Swedish striker has scored 27 goals in 26 matches this year, including the game-winning goal in a 2-1 win over RSL back on April 28.
Center backs Justen Glad and Onuoha should be well rested to deal with Ibrahimovic after sitting out last Saturday’s 0-0 draw at New England. Beckerman, Rimando and Albert Rusnak were also rested.
Juarez said managing the game against L.A.’s potent attack will be key.
“We just have to be very aware that we’re going to at times have the ball, we’ve just got to be very smart and not let the opponent use it against us and obviously handle their key players cause their key players are difference-makers,” said Juarez.
RSL’s 38 goals conceded this year is tied for third best in MLS and second-best in the West behind only league-leading Los Angeles FC.