Minnesota United aims to build on their recent clean sheet against Seattle as they prepare to face Real Salt Lake. Coach Eric Ramsay emphasizes the importance of defensive resilience and discipline. Real Salt Lake, struggling with recent losses, hopes to leverage home advantage. Key players to watch include Braian Ojeda for RSL and Tanitoluwa Oluwaseyi for Minnesota. The match prediction leans towards a draw, reflecting the competitive balance between the two teams.
Minnesota United is riding high after a crucial 1-0 victory over the Seattle Sounders, a win that provided not only three valuable points but also a much-needed clean sheet. Head coach Eric Ramsay is eager to capitalize on this defensive momentum as his side prepares for a challenging road game against Real Salt Lake.
The clean sheet against Seattle marked Minnesota's first in MLS play since a scoreless draw against the Vancouver Whitecaps back on May 28th. While the Loons have faced challenges in consistently keeping opponents off the scoresheet, their overall defensive record this season paints a picture of a resilient and well-organized team.
Despite conceding goals in recent weeks, Minnesota boasts one of the stingiest defenses in the league. Their nine clean sheets are second only to Vancouver's impressive 11, and they've conceded a joint-fourth fewest 30 goals. This defensive solidity has been a cornerstone of their success this season, providing a platform for their attacking players to shine.
Ramsay believes the clean sheet against Seattle can serve as a catalyst for increased confidence as they move forward. He emphasized the importance of rediscovering the defensive discipline and resilience that defined their early-season form. The upcoming match against Real Salt Lake presents a perfect opportunity to build upon this newfound defensive solidity.
"I think if you asked beforehand what the group needed, rather than wanted, it was a clean sheet," Ramsay said. "It was a return to the level of resilience and defensive discipline and desperation to keep the ball out of the net that we have shown for such long periods of this year, and that has made us such a difficult team to play against."
Ramsay added, "I feel like over the last couple of months, albeit results have still been good and you now see an evolved version of the team, we have always been able to nail down that clean sheet but that is what you saw in this match. That compactness, the characteristics that makes Minnesota a team that no one likes to play against. The fact that we were able to show that for large parts of the game and take our chance when it came, it was really pleasing way to finish the match and it gives us a really solid base for what is to come."
who wore it best? pic.twitter.com/3RNQnqUadb
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) August 20, 2025
Real Salt Lake, currently sitting 10th in the Western Conference, are eager to climb into playoff contention. They trail the San Jose Earthquakes by a single point but hold a crucial game in hand. However, their recent form has been less than ideal, having suffered losses in their last two league matches. They will be looking to turn things around against Minnesota and capitalize on their home advantage.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Real Salt Lake – Braian Ojeda
Minnesota's defense will need to pay special attention to Real Salt Lake's Braian Ojeda, particularly in front of the home crowd. Ojeda has been in fine form at home, scoring in three of his last four home matches across all competitions, totaling four goals. His only other two career goals since joining RSL also came in consecutive home matches in July 2024.
Minnesota United – Tanitoluwa Oluwaseyi
For Minnesota, Tanitoluwa Oluwaseyi has been a driving force in attack. The 25-year-old has notched 10 goals and provided eight assists in 23 MLS games this season. He also has a history of success against RSL, scoring a brace when Minnesota defeated them 2-0 back in March. His ability to find the net and create opportunities for his teammates will be crucial if Minnesota hopes to secure a victory on the road.
MATCH PREDICTION – DRAW
Real Salt Lake's recent struggles – losing consecutive matches for the fourth time this season – suggest they might be vulnerable. They have only endured one losing streak of three or more MLS games in the last five seasons (four straight games from March-April 2023).
Minnesota's set-piece prowess is another factor to consider. With their goal against Seattle, the Loons have now scored 50% (22/44) of their league goals from set pieces this season. This is a significant advantage, as the next-most set piece goals by an MLS team this season is 18 by the Philadelphia Union.
Historically, Minnesota has had the upper hand in this matchup. They are currently on a seven-game unbeaten run against Salt Lake in all competitions (W1 D6, including two penalty shoot-out wins), with RSL last winning in 2022. The Loons won the first meeting between the teams this season, but neither team has managed to win consecutive matches in the fixture, suggesting a closely contested battle is in store.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Real Salt Lake – 37.9%
Draw – 26.4%
Minnesota United – 35.7%
The Opta win probability reflects the even nature of this contest. With both teams possessing strengths and weaknesses, a draw appears to be the most likely outcome. However, Minnesota's defensive resilience and Real Salt Lake's home advantage could easily swing the game in either direction. Expect a tight, tactical battle with few clear-cut chances.