Real Salt Lake Drop 2-1 Result at Home

September 18, 2022 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – Real Salt Lake News Release

SANDY, Utah – Real Salt Lake (11-11-10, 43 points) suffered a 2-1 defeat at home to FC Cincinnati. The loss dropped the team into eighth place, tied with LA Galaxy on points, but outside playoff position based upon points per game and goal differential with two games remaining.

In what could be describe as a must-win for Real Salt Lake, the Claret-and-Cobalt struggled to find offensive rhythm through much of the first half, chipping back and forth with their Eastern Conference opponents amongst a heavily contested midfield. But in the 35th minute just after Jefferson Savarino caused Cincinnati’s defense to clear the ball out to the sideline, RSL was awarded a throw in. Midfielder Jasper Löffelsend took advantage of the slow-moving defenders and tossed a quick ball to the feet of Savarino, who scooped the ball up and serviced it onto the head of Maikel Chang who rose up to head it down into the back of the net for the 1-0 lead.

Whilst the fans were still celebrating the first goal of the night, the referee awarded Cincinnati a penalty kick, but upon video review the call was reversed. But the visiting team would not be held back, leveling the score in the 44th minute when Brenner slipped one past Zac MacMath. Just when it seemed as if the two sides would enter the halftime break tied, Real Salt Lake was awarded a penalty kick after Cincinnati’s goalkeeper took down Sergio Cordova inside the box, but Pablo Ruiz’s shot was saved by Roman Celentano and the score remained 1-1.

The second half started similarly to how the first half ended, with the referee checking video review for yet another possible penalty kick, but it was determined there was no foul and Real Salt Lake was able to clear away the dangerous throw in. The Claret-and-Cobalt seemed to have the upper hand, putting up several chances to retake the lead, including a point-blank shot from Savarino in the 70th minute, but Roman Celentano was able to make the save. But, in the 76th minute Brenner was able to once again put one past MacMath to take the lead and eventual 2-1 road win.

UP NEXT: With just two games remaining in the regular season, Real Salt Lake will travel to LA Galaxy for its final road match of the year on Saturday, October 1 at 8:30 p.m. MT. The team will then return to America First Field for the home finale, MLS Decision Day, against Portland Timbers on Sunday, October 9 at 3:00 p.m. MT.

GOAL SCORING…