Real Salt Lake vs. Minnesota United: Match Date, Time, TV, Streaming, and Key Highlights

Real Salt Lake (RSL) is set to clash with Minnesota United in the MLS Playoffs Best-of-3 series opener on October 30, 2024. This first match offers each team a shot at taking an early advantage in what’s sure to be a hard-fought playoff run.

Match Details:

• Date and Time: October 30, 2024, at 6:20 AM ET
• Location: Rio Tinto Stadium, Sandy, Utah
• Referee: Pierre-Luc Lauziere

Where to Watch:

• U.S.: Catch the game on Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass and select broadcasts on FS1, Fox Deportes, Fubo, and Sling TV.
• Canada: Available on TSN, RDS, and Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass.
• U.K.: Streaming on Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass.

Odds and Team Standings

RSL enters with a 51% implied chance of winning (1.95 odds), while Minnesota United’s odds stand at 3.70, suggesting a 27% chance. Both teams bring strong streaks—RSL is undefeated in their last six matches, while Minnesota has gone five games unbeaten—setting up a balanced and competitive match.

Recent Form:

• Real Salt Lake: Recently, RSL claimed wins over Vancouver Whitecaps (2-1) and San Jose Earthquakes (1-0), showing resilience and strong defensive play.
• Minnesota United: Minnesota’s offense has been firing, with a big 4-1 win against St. Louis City and a 1-0 victory over the Whitecaps.

Real Salt Lake enters this game with the home field advantage and fresh momentum from a convincing 2-1 victory against the Vancouver Whitecaps. Players like Diego Luna, whose creative skills might make all the difference, will be crucial to their success. Conversely, Minnesota United is happy with their crushing 4-1 win over St. Louis City. To test RSL's defensive strategy, they will rely on Sang-bin Jeong and his dynamic attack.

Key Player Matchups

• Diego Luna (RSL) vs. Sang-bin Jeong (Minnesota): Luna’s creativity (CRE 60) could set the pace for RSL, while Jeong’s technical skills (TEC 51) give Minnesota a boost in playmaking. Their duel could shift the game’s tempo.

This encounter at Rio Tinto Stadium will be important because it is the first leg of this Best-of-3 series. RSL, solidified by home crowd excitement, will attempt to capitalize on their recent defensive performance, while Minnesota aims to capitalize on any advantage and come out strong ahead of Game 2.

Both teams are in good form, so the first game could set the tone for what looks to be an exciting season. Real Salt Lake will attempt to establish dominance at home, while Minnesota United hopes to make a statement with an away win to generate momentum for the remainder of the series.