Real Salt Lake head coach Pablo Mastroeni says they are aiming to improve their attacking play, having already strengthened their defense, with the Colorado Rapids next in MLS.
RSL have endured a mixed run of results in the league so far and sit 11th in the Western Conference on 14 points after 13 matches played.
They have won just one of their last six matches, and are winless in three, though they have drawn their last two outings against FC Dallas and Portland Timbers.
Having improved their defensive record in recent weeks, Mastroeni says he is working with the team to make similar changes at the other end.
“Defense is a collective mentality, and when you’ve got 11 guys committed, it’s hard to score goals,” he told KSL Sports Zone.
“What you need to score goals is to be able to unlock defenses. We’re still looking to get up to speed at the top of the pitch.
“It’s just that polish on the tip of the spear that we need to get right. We’re always talking about it, and I think it might take a little more time, but if we can hold onto that sturdy defense, we have a chance.”
Coming for the Rocky Mountain Cup#COLvRSL | @AFCU
— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) May 16, 2025
Colorado, meanwhile, are winless in five, losing each of their last three in a row, having lost to San Diego FC in midweek.
They are just one place and two points above Real Salt Lake in the West, ahead of the first edition of the 2025 Rocky Mountain Cup on Saturday.
Head coach Chris Armas is hopeful his team can shake off their recent run as they turn their focus to this weekend’s match.
“Saturday is our focus, all of our energy now spent on recovery. It’s a big match for the players, our club, and our fans,” Armas said.
“Want to put it behind us quickly, as we have another important one coming up.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Colorado Rapids – Cole Bassett
Cole Bassett has scored four career regular-season goals against Real Salt Lake, equaling his most against any opponent (also four against San Jose Earthquakes).
Real Salt Lake – Zavier Gozo
Zavier Gozo won 12 of 21 duels he contested in Real Salt Lake’s draw with Portland Timbers on Wednesday, both the most duels won and contested in a match by an RSL player this season.
Gozo’s nine duels won per 90 minutes this season is the third-highest among players with at least 400 minutes played in 2025.
BIG GAME, BIG CAUSE FOR THE 2025 ROCKY MOUNTAIN CUP
Let’s show what it means to stand together Pack the stands and let’s get loud for our Rapids Unified team!#Rapids96 | @SpecOlympicsCO pic.twitter.com/nRbHiXJbZP
— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) May 15, 2025
MATCH PREDICTION: COLORADO RAPIDS WIN
Colorado won their last match against Real Salt Lake 3-2 last July. The Rapids have not won consecutive Rocky Mountain Cup matches in all competitions since September 2006 and April 2007.
However, they have won only three of their last 10 home matches in all competitions dating back to last October (D2 L5). The Rapids had won seven of their previous 10 at home prior to that, losing just once in that span (D2).
Real Salt Lake have drawn their last two matches. It is the first time all season they have avoided defeat in consecutive matches. RSL have just one win in their last six games (D2 L3).
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Colorado Rapids – 40.3%
Draw – 26.7%
Real Salt Lake – 33%
