San Diego fc vs real salt lake preview

Mar 7

Preview

San Diego FC will travel to Salt Lake City, Utah for what is going to be a real test with the high altitude. San Diego has to not only prepare tactically, but physically as well.

On Thursday, Head Coach Mikey Varas spoke to the media and confirmed that Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, will be out for this match. On their first home game, Lozano came off with a lower leg injury, and Varas confirmed that it is a hamstring injury and the status on his return is “week to week.” One thing San Diego does well is not rushing players back from any injury. Andres Reyes has not seen any playing time yet, and Varas insists that it is not an injury, they are just waiting for Reyes to get back to playing rhythm.

Now that San Diego has to play without their marquee signing, this can be a real test at how good they can be without him. Real Salt Lake is a tricky one to analyze. They’re coming off a 2-0 win against Seattle, but got eliminated from the Concacaf Champions Cup, against Herediano, a Costa Rican side.

San Diego is coming off a tied 0-0 game against St. Louis City SC.The question now is, how will step up in Lozano’s absence. Will Marcus Ingvartsen finally get on the scoring sheet? I will give my starting Xl and match prediction next.

Match Prediction

I do believe that with Lozano’s injury, Salt Lake may underestimate what San Diego will bring to the table. Varas explained to the media that they’re playstyle revolves heavily on the left side, to create the space on the right so the fullback can play more on the attacking side as well. If they continue with this tactic this gives Jasper Loffelsend a great opportunity to get in on the attack. Maybe even possibly score against his former team. Speaking with Loffelsend, he said he isn’t thinking about scoring or if he will even celebrate. I do think he will score on Saturday, as history always shows players tend to score against their former clubs.

If there is anyone that needs to step up more than ever in Lozano’s absence, it is Luca De La Torre. His playing ability isn’t in question anymore, this dude can ball. However, his impact needs to be more noticeable. Along with De La Torre, Marcus Ingvartsen needs to score a goal. You cannot have your starting striker, go a month into the league without a goal. Ingvartsen needs this for his confidence and to convince the San Diego fan base that he is their guy. San Diego will win this game on a 2-1 score, making this their second away win, staying undefeated, but conceding their first goal in MLS.

Starting Xl

Defense

CJ Dos Santos

Dos Santos is without a doubt goalkeeper number one, especially with back to back clean sheets. He gets the start on goal.

Jasper Loffelsend

Last week, I had Kumado starting over Loffelsend, that wasn’t the case and we can see why. Loffelsend has the pace and has developed a great dynamic with right winger Anders Dreyer. This duo can potentially remain on the starting line up this whole season if healthy. Loffelsend faces off against his former club, he did mention that there are only five players left from his season with the club. He still knows the environment, and how to play at that altitude.

Chris McVey

McVey will be starting again and he has done a great job so far. The two clean sheets have a lot to do with the center back’s performance, so McVey becomes untouchable for now.

Paddy McNair

Same thing goes for McNair. He is the leader of this backline and is so good at knowing whether to play it short through the middle, or send a long ball to relieve the backline of any pressure. He gets the start on Saturday and every other game.

Franco Negri

Negri has started every game this season, and it is the same thing again on Saturday. Without Lozano, it will be interesting who he has to connect more with on the left side with Lozano out.

Midfield

Jeppe Tverskov

Tverskov is undeniable and is probably the most important player on this roster. He captains the team for a reason. Tverskov is so patient with the ball, knows where his opponents are at the entire time, and can find the empty space in transition.

Anibal Godoy

Godoy is the surprise this season. His passing has been phenomenal and his experience in the league has shown. Godoy knows where to be at the right time and is not scared of making a hard tackle. He continues to start for San Diego FC.

Luca De La Torre

De La Torre is the player that needs to step up the most with Lozano out. He needs to make an impact on this game and let everyone know that he is in command. I expect a big game from De La Torre.

Attacking

Anders Dreyer

Anders Dreyer is the star of this team. When Lozano got injured in the last match, all eyes went to Dreyer who started getting double teamed, making it impossible for him to showcase his talents. I believe this may happen again, and that Salt Lake may plan this game around defending Dreyer.

Marcus Ingvartsen

Ingvartsen will remain as the starting striker for now, until head coach Varas realizes that he may not be the player they wanted him to be. Ingvartsen has yet to score, and despite the season being in its early stages, I cannot seem to wrap my head around the starting striker not scoring. Yes, there hasn’t been many balls getting his way, however, a great striker can create his own opportunities out of nothing. This is a big game for Ingvartsen.

Emmanuel Boateng

I think Mikey Varas selects Boateng to start against Real Salt Lake. He is the player that subbed on for Lozano against St. Louis, and has the experience to get the job done. I would prefer is Varas started either Mighten or even Ángel on the wing, but Varas will play it safe for this one.

Written By: Alejandro Villasenor

Alejandro Villaseñor