In order to fully preview 2017 season, we need to remember how Real Salt Lake finished off 2016. The club returned to the MLS Playoffs after missing out in 2015, which was their first season without a post season since 2007. A return to the playoffs was great for the club, but the team floundered after a promising start to the season, finishing 0-5-3 over their last eight games.
After finishing in sixth place in the West and being knocked out of the playoffs, once again by the LA Galaxy, it seemed like it was time for the team to make major changes in order to continue building on the success the club has had over the last decade.