Real Salt Lake will host Minnesota United in the first game of their best-of-three series in the MLS Cup playoffs. Real Salt Lake finished third in the Western Conference after defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps, while Minnesota United secured the sixth spot by beating St. Louis City. Both teams head into the playoffs in good form, with Real Salt Lake on a six-match unbeaten run and Minnesota United unbeaten in their last five league matches.
Real Salt Lake have home-field advantage in this matchup, having won 11 matches at America First Field during the regular season. They have not lost a playoff game at home in over a dozen years and have never lost a home game against Minnesota United. On the other hand, Minnesota United have been strong away from home, winning eight matches as visitors this season.
Both teams have some injury concerns heading into the game, with Real Salt Lake missing key players like Bode Hidalgo and Minnesota United likely without Matus Kmet. Real Salt Lake’s Chicho Arango could be a key player in this matchup, leading the team in scoring.
Overall, Real Salt Lake are predicted to come out on top with a 2-1 victory in this opening contest. Their experience in the playoffs and the quality of players like Arango could be the deciding factors in the match. Fans can follow the game for the latest updates and predictions.
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