Real Salt Lake conceded a late own goal, but stayed firm when it mattered most.
Real Salt Lake is officially back in the win column, and they did it in style. A solid Diego Luna goal in the first half and then a beautiful strike by Alex Katranis were enough to outdo the Kansas side. RSL had the majority of the chances, with 20 shots and seven of those being on target. SKC had 13 shots and three on target. Kansas City had the edge on possession with 52%. Sporting was caught offside three times while RSL was onside the entire match.
Real Salt Lake started out hot, creating several great chances, but nothing too threatening. Eventually, a few passes were strung together, and Diego Luna was played into the box with the goalkeeper at his mercy. Moon Man made no mistake and finished it at the near post to give the Claret and Cobalt the lead in the 40th minute. RSL would go into halftime feeling pretty good.
RSL would come out in the second half and build momentum again. An RSL cross found Alex Katranis wide open at the top of the six-yard box, and he brought the ball down on a half volley before striking it into the far post. The 62nd-minute goal with give RSL some breathing room.
Unfortunately, Sporting KC would cross the ball into the six-yard box, and it would take a deflection off Brayan Vera and into the gaping goal. This would make the score 2-1 in the 71st minute. RSL would survive a nervy final twenty minutes plus five minutes of stoppage time, aided by two huge Rafael Cabral saves to win 2-1.
Three takeaways from Real Salt Lake’s win over Sporting Kansas City
- The attack is clicking: Real Salt Lake’s seven shots on goal are a good sign that the Claret and Cobalt are getting the attack figured out. The additions of Rowan Cruz and Victor Olatunji alongside Diego Luna are a potent combination that could bring success to RSL in the future.
- The defense isn’t fully lost: RSL’s defense has been rough as of late, but they held tight tonight. Cabral had a pair of huge saves near the end, and the backline bent but didn’t break. It was an improvement, and RSL even generated a few chances in the final fifteen minutes.
- RSL can perform when it matters: Real Salt Lake called this match a “must-win,” and they delivered. It wasn’t perfect, but they got it done when it came to crunch time, and it was fun to watch. RSL now has some momentum and should build upon it when they face LAFC twice next week. RSL is in control and should take every opportunity they have to win and get into the playoffs.
Real Salt Lake got a win, their first in a while. The Claret and Cobalt worked hard and earned this win. There were a good number of chances for either club, and the expected goals show this well. RSL had an xG of 2.34, and SKC had an xG of 1.30. Both teams were firing shots left and right, and it was hard to determine what the end result was going to be, especially with the Kansas City attacks near the end.
Overall, it was a solid win for Real Salt Lake, and the numbers definitely show this. Real Salt Lake has a short turnaround, playing LAFC on Wednesday before heading to BMO Stadium on Saturday. RSL fought hard, and it is good to see the guys take all three points. It’s onto the next, and RSL can prove people wrong yet again vs LAFC. RSL can make or break their season, and it all comes down to the next few weeks.
More Utah sports news:
- BYU defeats rival Utah, remains undefeated.
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- BYU Football scouting report: BYU’s Holy War foe, Utah
- BYU Football Player Spotlight: Talented Kicker Will Ferrin
- BYU overcomes three turnovers, beats West Virginia at home
