Real Salt Lake Earn Valuable Road Point at FC Dallas

August 27, 2022 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – Real Salt Lake News Release

Real Salt Lake established early pressure in the first few minutes of the match, generating forth several opportunities, including two early corner kicks. But it was Dallas who was able to find the back of the net first, when a blocked ball trickled its way to the feet of Alan Velasco, whose shot gave the home side the seventh-minute 1-0 lead. In the 29th minute, RSL looked to have a chance at the equalizer after being awarded a penalty kick for what was initially deemed a foul on within the box forward Justin Meram, but upon video review the call was overturned. With minutes left in the first half Homegrown defender Andrew Brody had two back-to-back chances at goal, but he was unable to put his opportunities over the line and Dallas entered the halftime break with their 1-0 lead intact.

The start of the second half saw Real Salt Lake continue to press for the equalizer, but unable to put an opportunity on frame until the 64th minute when Julio forced a goal-line clearance from a Dallas defender. Seconds later Meram was brought down just outside the 18-yard-box and Pablo Ruiz’ ensuing free kick nearly snuck in, but Dallas GK Maarten Paes was able to push it up and off the crossbar to deny Real Salt Lake the equalizer. The offensive momentum finally paid dividends in the 69th minute when Homegrown defender Aaron Herrera found the head of a leaping Julio off a long cross to bring the score level.

Following the goal, the Claret-and-Cobalt continued to see chances at goal, looking to snag the game-winner and all three points on the road, but shots from Justen Glad and Rubio Rubin were saved by Paes. Despite a late surge from Dallas, Real Salt Lake was able to hold off the home side’s advances to take a much-needed road point in the team’s final push for a playoff position.

UP NEXT: Real Salt Lake returns to Sandy, Utah for a midweek matchup against Minnesota United FC on Wednesday, August 31 at 7:30 p.m. MT. The match will serve as the Club’s annual Kick Childhood Cancer night.

GOAL SCORING SUMMARY:

DAL: Alan Velasco 7th minute: Paul Arriola’s initial shot was blocked by Andrew Brody, but the rebound trickled to the feet of Velasco who tucked a shot through the legs of Aaron Herrera and into the back of the net to take the early lead.

RSL: Anderson Julio (Aaron Herrera, Jasper Löffelsend) 69th minute: Herrera served a long cross to the head of Julio who tucked his shot into the…