SANDY, Utah (ABC4 Sports) – Real Salt Lake’s season will continue.
The MLS released six games in phase one of its schedule on Saturday, and Real Salt Lake will resume the season Aug. 22 at Colorado. RSL’s first home game will be Aug. 25 against LAFC.
The league is taking a multi-phased approach in terms of scheduling. Each team will play 18 additional games, resulting in a 23-game regular season.
RSL’s Phase One Schedule
Aug. 22 @ Colorado Rapids, 7 p.m. MT
Aug. 26 vs. LAFC, 7:30 p.m. MT
Aug. 29 @ Portland Timbers, 8:30 p.m. MT
Sept. 2 vs. Seattle Sounders FC, 7:30 p.m. MT
Sept. 5 @ Minnesota United, 6 p.m. MT
Sept. 12 vs. Colorado Rapids, 7:30 p.m. MT
For RSL’s three home matches, Rio Tinto Stadium will be opened to a configuration accommodating roughly 5,000 fans, following detailed procedures and protocols authorized by the Salt Lake County and State of Utah government health officials. This plan provides detailed health and safety directives for everyone entering the stadium on a matchday, including players, staff, and fans. Real Salt Lake Season Ticket Members will have a priority presale on the limited number of seats with any remaining tickets being made available to the general public at a later date.
“It’s going to be tough but I’m excited,” said RSL head coach Freddy Juarez. “Everyone in the West, every year it’s tough, so all we can do is hope that we’re ready to play the best because the reality is you have to get through all these teams.”
The Real Salt Lake players said they feel safe in resuming the season with the MLS guidelines for COVID-19 safety protocol in place.
“I think it’s great to be playing games again,” added defender Justen Glad. “Personally, I’m not very scared. I know they’ve done a very good job with the guidelines and the rules they’ve set up for us. We’re traveling private, so I’m just looking forward to get back on the field again.”
“Hopefully teams can stay safe, and that will allow us to play as many games as possible this year,” said goalkeeper Zac MacMath. “I know everyone on the team is looking forward to having some kind of regular season and playoffs in the next couple of months.”
In an expansion of the postseason for 2020, 18 clubs will compete in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, up from 14 teams last year. MLS Cup will be played on Dec. 12.
MLS plans to announce the balance of the regular season schedule by early September as the league continues to work with infectious disease experts, league and club medical personnel, and government officials in all markets in charting a course for the completion of the 2020 season.
RSL was eliminated from the MLS is Back Tournament in the round of 16 with a 5-2 loss to San Jose.
