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SANDY — The last time Real Salt Lake met intraconference rival Sporting Kansas City, Sebastian Jaime scored his first goal in a run of five goals in six games for RSL, and Olmes Garcia's stoppage-time finish sealed a 2-1 victory at Rio Tinto Stadium.
That game helped cement Jaime's place as a center forward and led to the Salt Lake side going 4-2-2 over the next eight matches in all competitions since June 21.
For Friday's annual Pioneer Day match that kicks off at 9 p.m., these two clubs separated by the heart of the Midwest's "flyover country" don't need much introduction.
"We've seen them enough to know what we've done and what they do well," RSL defender Aaron Maund said. "We're lucky to play them at home (again), but we know how good they are and the dangers they bring. They're a tough team to play. It's definitely a game that brings a lot of good qualities out of the side. I think we'll be ready for the competition."
Maund will be among those tasked with containing those dangerous Kansas City forwards — leading scorer Krisztian Nemeth (seven goals, four assists) and Dom Dwyer (six goals). Dwyer, the husband of U.S. women's national team star Sydney Leroux, is among the more dangerous finishers in the league.
"He's a very lethal finisher, and he's dangerous," Maund said. "He's someone we really have to take account of at all times."
But between Dwyer, Nemeth and midfield sensation Benny Feilhaber (six goals, 10 assists), it will take a collective effort from the back four to earn a result — even at home, according to RSL coach Jeff Cassar.
"Their work rate is great. They know their roles in each of their positions, and they are relentless in the quality of finishing," Cassar said. "You've got to be aware of them at all times, and usually you need help. It's going to take a back four to take care of their front three."
Sporting KC (9-3-6, 33 points) is also coming off a midweek U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal against Houston, which it won 3-1 to advance to host RSL in a semifinal Aug. 12.
Cassar didn't deny that the midweek game could have an effect on Kansas City. But he also didn't put too much stock in Tuesday's game.
I'm not sure how (Sporting KC head coach Peter) Vermes will tackle this game, if he'll go with the same lineup," Cassar said. "But at the end of the day, it's our house and we have to dictate the tempo of the game and do what we want to do. We'll make them adjust to us."
RSL (6-7-8, 26 points) made Kansas City adjust to it the last time these two teams met — and the rivals nearly pulled out a road draw with Dwyer's second-half goal before Garcia scored in the dying moments of the match.
Which is more proof that adjustments will be made, and anything can happen when Salt Lake and Kansas City meet.
"You're just excited, especially with a team like Kansas City coming in and the history we have," Maund said. "You're excited to get out there and try to get the three points."
