Real Salt Lake was handed a tough 4-0 loss in San Jose last Saturday.
Sometimes, things just don’t go your way. That was the case in Real Salt Lake’s 4-0 loss to the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday. RSL looked to be on the front foot until a goal by Jamar Ricketts in the 28th minute put the Earthquakes ahead. RSL would have several chances to equalize, including a few from Diego Luna, but could not put them away.
RSL would start the second half similarly, creating several half-chances before San Jose doubled the lead with a Rodriques goal in the 70th minute. Four minutes later RSL would have a breakdown defensively and conceded the third goal to Ousseni Bouda. Insult would be added to injury when Victor Costa de Brito took advantage of the tired RSL backline in the 83rd minute and scored the fourth goal.
It was a rough game for RSL, with a lot to work on. Passes were inaccurate, shoting was poor and the energy was not full. However, this team is trying to balance Major League Soccer and the Concacaf Champions Cup at the same time. Lineups are going to be different from match to match and players will be tired. Expect some early season struggles as the Champions Cup goes on and the new players learn the system.
Three Takeaways from the loss at San Jose:
- This team needs some attacking strength: RSL was lacking in the attack. Diego Luna didn’t seem confident and the other attacking options were underwhelming. RSL needs to bolster their attack and get it going if they want to win trophies.
- Don’t give up: RSL seemed to lose their focus once San Jose scored their second goal. RSL has to stay motivated for 90 minutes, no matter the score.
- Defend like crazy and don’t ball-watch: RSL was caught ball-watching a few times and it cost them again and again. RSL needs to defend like they want to win if they are going to succeed.
Overall, it was a rough game for RSL. Things just didn’t seem to be clicking and they have some things to work on. However, it is a balance of two contests at the same time, plus there are some new faces that are trying to mesh with the club. There is hope and potential for RSL, the fans just have to do what they have always done: Believe.
