Real Salt Lake: Three hopes, one fear

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Oct 23, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Real Salt Lake forward Joao Plata (right) controls the ball against Seattle Sounders FC midfielder Erik Friberg (left) during the first half at CenturyLink Field. Seattle won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /

Hope #3: That Joao Plata can lead the attack.

This hope is kind of tied to the second hope in that if Movsisyan cannot get back to form in time for Wednesday (and possibly beyond) that RSL will look towards Plata for their scoring spark. The Ecuadorean international has not disappointed this season and has shown that when the chips are down that his side can count on him. Case in point: his late goal against the Colorado Rapids in April to give RSL the 1-0 win.

The question is now can he do it in the playoffs? Despite his goal-scoring prowess in the regular season Plata has only played in four postseason matches in his MLS career and has yet to score a single goal. If Movsisyan cannot get back into form in time the buck stops at Plata to create chances for his side. Martinez will certainly have something to say in the matter but with Plata being more of a typical forward he is likely to see more shots than his Argentine teammate.

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