Football Season Guide

After a season in which Real Salt Lake were explosive going forward and weak at the back, they've been looking to solve their deficiencies over the off season. They scored over 50 goals but also conceded 58 during the course of the campaign. Sam Johnson arrives looking to continue that fine goalscoring form the club has, and he comes ona Designated Player contract. Yet, more pertinently, Everton Luiz has been brought in on loan from SPAL in a bid to replace the departing Sunny. He'll have to give the defence better protection this season and not leave them so vulnerable. Despite getting into the playoffs and knocking out LAFC, they were still too open, and it cost them in the end. That looks like finally being sorted. Yet there's plenty up in the air regarding how RSL will set up. Mike Petke managed to hold onto his key attacking players during the off-season. Therefore, fitting Johnson into this mix could be difficult. But it also shows that they should have no problems keeping up their goalscoring form. The acquisition of Nedum Onuoha could be key to keeping things tight at the back, but more defensive would still be ideal. It has to be considered a successful close-season for RSL. They've added to the quality they already had, and nobody left the club that they wouldn't have wanted to. Ian Harkes' departure to Dundee United was a blow, but he wasn't a consistent starter anyway. It's all shaping up to be a much-improved season once more for RSL.