Charlotte FC defender Tim Ream believes the recent performances of goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina have boosted the confidence of the whole squad.

Kahlina made eight saves in their most recent game against FC Cincinnati to help Charlotte defeat their Eastern Conference rivals 1-0.

The Croatian goalkeeper has made the most saves this season in MLS, with 89, and has the seventh-best save percentage (70.4%) among goalkeepers to have made at least 70 saves.

Ahead of their upcoming game against Real Salt Lake, who they face for the first time this season, Ream thinks Kahlina can continue to make a big impact.

"It gives you a big boost of confidence knowing that no matter what, he [Kahlina] is going to be behind you and on top of his game," said Ream.

"We have had a lot of discussions, looked at a lot of video with the entire team about trying to limit [opposition] chances.

"Knowing he is at the top of his game helps so much. It keeps you calm in every situation, knowing that he is behind you.

"[We don’t know] a whole lot [on RSL] at this point. We will look at video and see what happens with Diego Luna, who got sent off the other night, but at this point in the year, we are focused on ourselves and what we are doing on both sides of the ball."

Charlotte are currently seventh in the East, but could put pressure on the teams above them with a win on Saturday.

Real Salt Lake, meanwhile, have put themselves in playoff contention in the Western Conference after winning five of their last eight MLS games.

They are currently 10th, one point behind the San Jose Earthquakes with a game in hand.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Charlotte FC – Wilfried Zaha

With Pep Biel's availability for this fixture still in question, Wilfried Zaha will have to be the main man for Charlotte.

Zaha recorded his 16th goal contribution (seven goals, nine assists), notching the game-winning goal against Cincinnati. The only player with more goal contributions in a single MLS season for the club is Biel, who has 22 (10 goals, 12 assists) this season.

Real Salt Lake – Rafael Cabral

Diego Luna is set to miss this game through suspension after picking up two yellow cards against the New York Red Bulls.

Goalkeeper Rafael Cabral did his best to try and earn RSL a point in that fixture, making his third penalty save of the season, tied with James Pantemis for most in MLS.

MATCH PREDICTION – DRAW

Charlotte host Real Salt Lake for the first time, in the second all-time meeting between the clubs. Charlotte have won both their meetings at home against Western Conference teams (San Diego FC, San Jose) this season, outscoring those opponents 7-1.

Charlotte are one of three teams this season with a five-game winning streak in the league, joining Inter Miami and Cincinnati. Since Charlotte entered the league in 2022, there have only been four longer single-season winning streaks.

Real Salt Lake have dropped 18 points from winning positions, tied with St. Louis City SC for the most of any team in MLS this season. RSL have not had a season with more points dropped from winning positions since 2014 (21).

In their last six league matches, Charlotte have won five and drawn one. Salt Lake, meanwhile, have won four and lost two in their last six.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Charlotte FC – 41.2%

Draw – 26.7%

Real Salt Lake – 32.1%