7 p.m. vs. Real Salt Lake at TCF Bank • Ch. 29, ESPN1500
Preview: United coach Adrian Heath said this match could be the most important in club history, as the 0-3-1 Loons attempt to nab their first Major League Soccer win from a team having its own early-season struggles. Real Salt Lake is also winless at 0-2-2 and fired its coach, Jeff Cassar, three matches into the season. While the team named Mike Petke as the new gaffer this week, interim coach Daryl Shore will still be on the bench Saturday.
Players to watch: Salt Lake sports the all-time MLS shutouts leader in goalkeeper Nick Rimando, who has 130 clean sheets in 427 appearances during his 17-year career. Salt Lake also has the all-time appearance leader for field players in midfielder Kyle Beckerman. United will start Bobby Shuttleworth in goal, who has nine years of MLS experience.
Numbers: Two ex-United players, from the North American Soccer League days, are on Salt Lake's roster: keeper Matt Van Oekel and midfielder Luke Mulholland.
Injuries: Defender Joe Greenspan and goalkeepers John Alvbage and Patrick McLain all resumed full training this week. Just midfielder Bernardo Anor (leg) and defender Thomas de Villardi (Achilles' tendon) are out for an extended period.
