St Louis City have been the surprise package in Major League Soccer this season. The expansion franchise is a perfect 12 points from 12 points on offer and go into round 5 of the MLS season seeking a fifth straight win.
On Saturday, City head to Utah to face off with Real Salt Lake in a Western Conference showdown. Salt Lake have not started the campaign well. The Claret and Cobalt have played just three times this season, picking up three points from nine points on offer.
After a 2-1 matchday No 1 win away to Vancouver Whitecaps, Real Salt Lake lost back-to-back games to Seattle Sounders and Austin FC. The Western Conference looks like the weakest conference in MLS this season.
Ahead of round No 5, St Louis City are nine points ahead of Salt Lake, and they are in their first-ever season in MLS. Six of St Louis’s 12 points came on the road. The team outscored their opponents away from St Louis 5-3.
Real Salt Lake played just one of their opening three games at home, losing 2-1 to Austin on March 11. The Claret and Cobalt have struggled for goals this season, with three scored. Meanwhile, the defence allowed five goals in their three MLS games.
Serious questions were asked about St Louis’s player recruitment ahead of their first MLS season. The team looked weak on paper but have so far started well. Former Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Burki has provided a strong foundation for the team.
Brazilian forward Klauss leads St Louis in goals with three. Although some of the names on the St Louis team sheet are unknown, they are playing well against established MLS sides.
Manager Bradley Carnell will be without the duo of Joakim Nilsson and Njabulo Blom. The former has a knee injury, and the latter is recovering from a concussion. Tim Parker is a doubt to play due to a groin injury.
Salt Lake manager Pablo Mastroeni will be without Zach Farnsworth and Axel Kei. Scott Caldwell could be fit but will undergo a fitness test this week.
There is no history to go off for these teams, as Saturday will be their first-ever match. St Louis City are in great form, and Real Salt Lake are not, which should lead the newcomers to a win.
City are coming off a win to nil last time out, as the defence shone. St Louis should post a fifth straight win and keep another clean sheet. City should win 1-0.