April 24, 2022 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – Real Salt Lake News Release
PORTLAND, Oregon – Real Salt Lake (3-2-4, 13 points, 6th West) earned a hard-fought road point, shutting out the defending 2021 Western Conference Champions on their home turf. The 0-0 draw gave the Claret-and-Cobalt its first result of any kind against Portland since October of 2020, improving RSL to 2-8-2 across all competitions against the Timbers since kicking off the 2018 season.
RSL goalkeeper Zac MacMath made five saves to earn his third clean sheet of the season, and the Club’s first since a March 5 home win over Seattle. Centerback Marcelo Silva wore the armband in place of injured Captain Damir Kreilach (back), while the homegrown defensive tandem of Justen Glad (hamstring, March 19) and Aaron Herrera (calf, March 19) started together for the first time in 2022 – despite each boasting more than 100 reg. season appearances for RSL.
Looking to bounce back in its second consecutive road match and third contest in six days, this time at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon, Real Salt Lake and the Timbers found themselves in the trenches for much of the first half. The two sides split possession and shots, both getting just a few chances at goal, as most of the first half was played through transition in the midfield. As the first half approached the halftime break, it seemed as if Portland may have a chance to gain momentum, earning several free kicks just outside the 18-yard-box, but MacMath was able to easily secure the ball, helping his team preserve the scoreline, 0-0, heading into halftime.
Portland continued to press the Claret-and-Cobalt’s backline with the start of the second half, putting up several chances in the first 10 minutes. It wasn’t until the 66th minute that Real Salt Lake looked to have a quality chance on target, when Pablo Ruiz slammed a shot directly into the left goal post. Ruiz’s second shot, on the rebound, was blocked for a corner kick. Ten minutes later…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at OurSports Central Major League Soccer MLS News…