Real Salt Lake Fall Short of Comeback at Minnesota United

July 3, 2022 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – Real Salt Lake News Release

ST. PAUL, Minnesota – Real Salt Lake (8-5-5, 29 points) fell just shy of a comeback in Minnesota, dropping the 3-2 result to Minnesota United. Second-half goals from Jefferson Savarino and Anderson Julio where not enough to overcome the three goal defect set by Minnesota.

Despite pressing for goal in the early minutes, Real Salt Lake was unable to thread one through into the back of the net. In the ninth minute Minnesota jumped out to the early lead when Emanuel Reynoso cut across the face of goal to send a left-footed shot into the bottom-left corner for the opening goal of the match. Minnesota continued to pester the Claret-and-Cobalt’s backline throughout much of the first half, only allowing RSL to get one opportunity on goal. It looked as if RSL may be able to escape into the halftime break with just the 1-0 deficit, but a late tackle from Aaron Herrera awarded Minnesota a penalty kick in the final moment of stoppage time. Zac MacMath was able to make the initial stop on the penalty kick, but Reynoso was able to pounce on the rebound, taking the 2-0 lead into halftime.

Head Coach Pablo Mastroeni made several changes coming into the second half, looking to make their way back into the game. But with RSL pressing high for goal, Minnesota was able to capitalize on the high press when Reynoso found Luis Amarilla on the breakaway, putting him one-on-one with MacMath, Amarilla chipped the ‘keeper in the 61st minute to take the 3-0 lead.

Real Salt Lake was finally able to pull one back in the 71st minute when Maikel Chang sent a ball across the face of goal for Savarino to slide in and redirect the pass into the back of the net. Just five minutes later the Claret-and-Cobalt where able to find another who when Savarino serviced a corner to the head of Julio. The second-half substitute flicked the pass backwards, sending it into the back post to pull RSL within one. Real Salt Lake continued to press for the late-game equalizer but were unable to break through in the final moments and the match comeback fell short, ending 3-2 for Minnesota United.

UP NEXT: Real Salt Lake return home for the second leg of the Rocky Mountain Cup, hosting Colorado Rapids at Rio Tinto Stadium on Saturday, July 9 at 8:00 p.m. MT.

GOAL SCORING SUMMARY:

MIN: Emanuel Reynoso 9th minute: Cutting across the face of goal from the right side of the box, Reynoso weaved through several defenders to tuck a left-footed…