Watch out, Colorado Rapids—Joao Plata could be back for Real Salt Lake

Joao Plata - Real Salt Lake - celebration

Things continue to look up for Real Salt Lake. In a story this week for the Salt Lake Tribune, Chris Kamrani notes the improving prospects of a couple of players who were temporarily sidelined.


Rookie Omar Holness, who suffered a on-field seizure five weeks ago while playing with Real Monarchs, won’t need surgery after all for a shoulder injury he sustained during the episode. Head coach Jeff Cassar noted that he’s “healed pretty well” and will continue to rehab.


But here’s another piece of news that should strike a little fear into the Colorado Rapids and their fans—Joao Plata could be back in time for Saturday night’s game at Colorado (9 p.m. ET, MLS LIVE). He’s bounced back from the hip flexor strain he picked up in April, and has been fully training with the team all week.


"He's looking really good," Cassar told Kamrani at the Tribune. "Now it's just making sure [we're] getting him game-sharp and game fitness. He's going to play a major factor [this weekend]."


Prior to his injury, Plata quietly but quickly proved one of RSL’s sleeper hits—by the beginning of April, he had scored or assisted on six of the team’s eight goals at that point. And the team will play to win—right now, they’re tied for 17 points in the Western Conference, with FC Dallas and, yes, the night’s opponents, the Rapids.


This should prove for an exciting night—tune in starting at 9 p.m. ET (MLS LIVE).