Watching Real Salt Lake under Mike Petke feels quite a bit like watching the current version of D.C. United. It’s not just that the clubs play the same formation, or that both have the same tendency to become more cagey after getting a lead, or even that the attacks are constructed of a broadly similar mix of players (a key European import, a hard-working American with a knack for making plays, and young South American talents).
Ben Olsen shares a similar vision as Petke for how to get the best out of his players, and it’s one that allows for plenty of freedom for their attackers.