Real Salt Lake and the Los Angeles Galaxy meet again tonight; as always this matchup conjures up memories of MLS Cup 2009. The Western Conference rivals will be meeting without Will Johnson (Canada); Alvaro Saborio (Costa Rica); Arturo Alvarez (El Salvador); and Landon Donovan (USA) as MLS still doesn’t declare recess on FIFA International weekends. Real opened up the 2011 season on the road, defeated San Jose 0-1. The Galaxy are unbeaten in two matches, coming off a 1-1 draw at Home Depot Center.
Just like the LA Galaxy, Real Salt Lake played their game last weekend in driving rain and blustery winds. Kyle Beckerman scored the game’s only goal in the 63 minute, a strike from outside the box that hit the inside of the post. Jason Olave was a late scratch, and he’s listed as questionable for tonight’s match.
Josh Saunders will most likely be starting third consecutive match in goal, with Donovan Ricketts still sidelined. The third minute goal he let in last week was the first he had conceded in a regular-season game since April 4, 2009. The 435 minutes between goals was the ninth-longest shutout streak in MLS history. Included MLS Cup play, Saunders had a shutout streak of 489 minutes.