Sandy • Real Salt Lake and the Portland Timbers were like two strangers on a blind date in 2018. They had never met in person, but they had a good idea what each other was about because information can be easily found online or on video.
RSL’s profile featured plenty of positives — seven wins or ties in its last nine games and a Western Conference-leading home record — but some red flags as well, namely a draw against Minnesota United in its most recent home game. Portland’s profile was similar.
On paper, RSL and Portland seemed like a match made in soccer heaven.