April 21, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS)
Real Salt Lake News Release
CHICAGO – Real Salt Lake (4-2-3, 15 points, T-1st West) converted a three-goal offensive explosion in the first half into three road points at Chicago Fire FC. RSL Captain Chicho Arango led the way with two goals and two assists to extend his goal contribution lead atop the MLS race, now with eight goals and six assists. Tonight’s victory extends RSL’s unbeaten streak to five matches – last losing March 9 vs. Colorado – collecting 11 of a possible 15 points over that span.
Watch / Listen to RSL Head Coach Pablo Mastroeni, Chicho Arango and Gavin Beavers Post-Game Commentary following 4-0 win at Chicago Fire on Sat., April 20, 2024
Real Salt Lake started the affair with four changes to the lineup, as injuries to a pair of centerbacks thrust fullbacks Bode Hidalgo and Bryan Oviedo into the middle, in front of teenage goalkeeper Gavin Beavers. Additionally, 18-year-old playmaker Fidel Barajas made his second career MLS start, in place of U.S. Olympic hopeful Diego Luna.
RSL’s first quality chance came in the 12th minute. As Arango received the ball on the right side of the midfield, he dribbled through three defenders before earning a foul on the edge of the box. As both teams crowded into the area, jostling for position on the ensuing free kick, Arango attempted to catch Chicago off-guard with a quick curling shot towards the top left corner, electing to take the kick standing rather than run up, sending the offering just wide.
RSL nearly struck in the 16th minute, as MF Braian Ojeda led Alex Katranis down the left wing, playing a long, lofted throughball over the top. The ball was slightly out of reach, however, and as Chicago’s Chris Brady came out to make the catch, he collided with his defender and dropped the ball at the feet of Arango for a point-blank chance that was deflected out of play.
Not totally one-sided though, Chicago created its first real chance of the game in the 21st minute. MF Emeka Eneli lost possession just outside of his own box during buildup as Chris Mueller picked it off and, nutmegging a defender, darted towards into the heart of the box before RSL ‘keeper Gavin Beavers rushed out to squash the danger with a courageous save.
It would not take Real Salt Lake long to reclaim the momentum, though, as it would convert dominance into a 1-0 lead in the 24th minute. As Katranis controlled the ball along the left side, he played a beautiful give-and-go pass to Chicho in…
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