Real Salt Lake became the first victim to a struggling Minnesota United in their first meeting. Here’s a look at what stood out for RSL in the match.

Real Salt Lake fell on the road on against expansion side Minnesota United in their first meeting of the season. It was a frustrating day, as many RSL fans were hoping Real would get back on track against the struggling Loons.

Aaron Maund went down again with another injury, and it seems RSL has hit the bottom of their depth chart on the back line. Mike Petke takes over the reins on Monday, so this marks the end of an era (hopefully in more ways that one). Here are some things that stood out.

The kids are alright

Some of the few bright spots from this game came from youth. Sebastian Saucedo once again showed good vision and movement in the attack, and even had a few good chances to score himself. Brooks Lennon continues to show promise after making his third straight start, and so does Justin Schmidt who also has gone a full ninety in three appearance thus far.

With the injuries it seems that the young trio will continue to see time on the field. Brian Dunseth said on the broadcast that Justen Glad and Jordan Allen were still about two to four weeks away from a return. Along with Rusnák, the youth movement has a lot of promise moving forward, but the best scenario would be if the club could still produce without sacrificing results.

The 4-3-3 isn’t the answer

Arguably the most frustrating part of Real Salt Lake’s recent run seems to be that the pieces are there for the team to be successful, but they aren’t fitting together. Long gone are the days of RSL, “death by possession” in the 4-4-2 Diamond, a playing style and formation that Real used on their way to two MLS Cup Final appearances, US Open Cup Final, and CONCACAF Champions League Final between 2009 and 2013.

The 4-3-3 (played as more as a 4-2-3-1) took over for the diamond when Jeff Cassar was named the head man, but just hasn’t been the answer for Real over the last two seasons. Striker Yura Movsisyan hasn’t been able find his old form, and the one-on-one counter attacking play from several speedy wingers lost momentum last season after a hot start.

One of the praises Mike Petke had in his days with Red Bulls was his willingness to forgo a set formation for his squad, instead opting to let match-ups, form, and availability determine the formation. Pairing Yura up top with Plata could be an easy switch that brings plenty of positive consequences. The same could be said about a simple return to the diamond.

“Back to zero.”

Arguably the biggest take away from Yura Movsisyan’s post game comments. Visibly frustrated he stated,

“Going back to zero. Going back to Step 1, and taking baby steps because obviously [it’s a new coach, new beginning for the players. So everybody’s got to prove that they’re worthy of playing, being in the starting XI. It doesn’t matter whose name it is, whose got a name, whose got how many caps. I do not care about that. Everybody’s got to start from zero and show up.”

Not many better ways to put. RSL now sits in last place, both in the Western Conference and overall. Mike Petke has a lot of work to do, but nowhere to go but up.