Real Salt Lake have registered 12 points from a possible 15 in their last five 2019 MLS regular season encounters; the Utah-based MLS club, however, have dropped three points during this period. Moreover, the Claret and Cobalt, who recently appointed Freddy Juarez as Head Coach after the dismissal of Mike Petke on August 11, have additionally scored 10 and conceded four during their previous five matches.
Furthermore, Real Salt Lake presently sit in second place, albeit narrowly, behind dominant 2019 MLS western conference leaders Los Angeles FC, who currently lead the division by 19 points. Los Angeles FC’s sterling performances this term have witnessed Bob Bradley’s rampant side conceding 28 goals and netting 74 throughout 27 matches played in the current 2019 MLS regular season campaign. In addition, Los Angeles FC have lost just three times this season, whereas Real Salt Lake have won 13, drawn four and lost 10 in 27 regular season encounters played thus far in the 2019 MLS regular season.
The well-documented and realistic narrow gulf between seventh and second place in the 2019 MLS western conference regular season remains vastly marginal and evident with seventh place FC Dallas, who have registered 40 points this term, presently three points adrift from second place Real Salt Lake.
Meanwhile, third place Seattle Sounders, fourth place LA Galaxy, fifth place Minnesota United and sixth place San Jose Earthquakes are all within the 2019 MLS Playoffs picture and within tangible grasp of second place in the MLS western conference. Elsewhere, eighth place Portland Timbers have registered 37 points this season and are similarly within playoff contention.
Elsewhere, Real Salt Lake’s next seven 2019 MLS regular season fixtures are against: Portland Timbers (Away – September 1), San Jose Earthquakes (Home – September 12), Minnesota United (Away – September 15), New England Revolution (Away – September 22), LA Galaxy (Home – September 26), Houston Dynamo (Home – September 30) and Vancouver Whitecaps (Away – October 6).
Prior to Real Salt Lake’s forthcoming 2019 MLS regular season encounter against Giovanni Savarese’s Portland Timbers at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon this Sunday, FOX Sports Radio 96.9 FM/1340 AM’s Dean Perretta briefly caught up with Venezuela and Real Salt Lake’s 22-year-old star, Jefferson Savarino, who was linked with a summer move to English Premier League club West Ham United, to discuss Real Salt Lake’s current form as the MLS Playoffs nears, coupled alongside talented Venezuelan forward sharing his thoughts on newly appointed Real Salt Lake Head Coach, Freddy Juarez, as well as Savarino touching on renewed expectations.
Dean Perretta: Jefferson, what are the main aims and expectations for Real Salt Lake for the remainder of the current season?
Jefferson Savarino: Well, there are very few games left (in the 2019 MLS regular season). I think we have had a very good season. It remains to continue in the same way and follow each game step by step to strengthen the quality.
Dean Perretta: With that being said, can you discuss the MLS Playoffs and the renewed expectations and intensity in contrast to the regular season?
Jefferson Savarino: The (MLS) playoff games are always very different from those of the regular season because you only play two or one game and the one that loses is out. I think any team (in the playoff picture currently) can win in the playoffs.
Dean Perretta: Can you touch on the strictness and demands of Freddy Juarez with regards to the expectations of your ongoing development as a professional?
Jefferson Savarino: Well Freddy (Juarez) is in charge of the team now (after Mike Petke was dismissed recently). I believe and I consider him (Juarez) a good person on and off the field since I arrived at the team (from Zulia in 2017). He’s helped me a lot. My professional development has been very good. I hope in God to continue learning something new every day.
Dean Perretta: What is your general assessment regarding your own form and performances this season?
Jefferson Savarino: Personally, I think I’ve had good games like bad games. I’ve helped the team like others, but in general I think I’ve had a good season. I hope to be better in the next games we have left. I think it’s all about that in each game. Contribute something to the team. I hope in God to be better.
Dean Perretta: Lastly, what are your thoughts on Real Salt Lake’s remaining 2019 MLS regular season fixtures and the competitiveness and improvements in the West compared to last season?
Jefferson Savarino: I think that the west has been a little stronger (compared to last season) but the team has made an excellent season. We see this year and there is more competitiveness, but we will try hard and do our best to strengthen the success if it is God’s will.
