Real @ San Jose Preview

Real kicks off the regular season Saturday at 7 pm MT, against the San Jose Earthquakes. If Real wants to continue its momentum and pursue a 2nd MLS Cup, they need to improve their road record. This match offers the perfect opportunity for a good start.

Last season, they were 2-11-2. That’s right. They only won or tied in 4 of 15 matches. But Real got hot at the end of the season and proved they can play with the best teams in MLS.

Real returns all of its starters, but will likely relegate a few, like Fabian Espindola, to the bench in favor of superior players brought in during the off-season.

In contrast, San Jose has made dramatic changes to their lineup after their disappointing season last year. Ives rates them as 15th out of 16 teams in MLS (Real came in at 2nd) coming into the season.

In short, Real needs to and should win this match. If they do, they’ll be demonstrating they’ve changed their ways and are off to a good start. If they don’t, then RSL fans have reason to worry.