Real Salt Lake fell short of a comeback in a 3-2 loss to Minnesota United FC on Sunday, July 3, at Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minnesota. The loss drops RSL to third place in the Western Conference standings with 29 points and a record of 8-5-5 on the season. RSL’s road woes continue as they now have a 2-5-3 record on the road this season.
The First Half
Minnesota started the game aggressively with forward Bongokuhle Hlongwane trying to connect in the top right corner; however, RSL goalkeeper Zac MacMath made the save. A few minutes later, Minnesota midfielder Emanuel Reynoso pounded the ball into the center of the goal to put Minnesota up 1-0 early.
The game would continue to go back and forth with both teams missing shots. Pablo Ruiz almost scored in the 29th minute, but Minnesota goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair was able to stop the attempt. Ruiz and Aaron Herrera then subsequently picked up yellow cards within the following minutes.
The concluding minutes of the half came to a crazy finish, with both teams missing penalty kicks. Minnesota’s Reynoso then took the second penalty kick but MacMath again made another save. However, Reynoso took another penalty kick just before time expired and stung the top center of the goal following a set-piece situation, giving Minnesota a 2-0 lead.
The Second Half
Minnesota came out of the half steaming hot with three shots but was unable to knock them in (one of which was saved by MacMath). RSL’s Herrera and Jefferson Savarino tried to respond but were also unable to knock their shots in.
Minnesota striker Luis Amarilla gave Minnesota a 3-0 lead in the 61st minute after finding the center of the goal. Minnesota took a few more shots in the 67th and 68th minutes but was unable to find the net.
Savarino responded for RSL in the 71st minute, scoring an up-close shot and putting RSL on the board 3-1. Substitute Anderson Julio made things interesting in the 76th minute after scoring in the bottom right corner of the goal following a corner to cut the deficit 3-2. Julio tried to connect again in the 81st but was unable to knock it in. Minnesota then held on to win the game 3-2.
Despite RSL winning possession 54.4% to 45.6% and corners seven to five, Minnesota dominated in all other categories. However, MacMath picked up four saves for RSL while Dayne St. Clair had just two.
What’s Next
RSL now heads to the Twin Cities to take on Minnesota United FC at Allianz Filed in St. Paul, Minnesota. The match kicks off at 6 p.m. MT and can be streamed on ESPN+.
Image courtesy of Brainerd Dispatch.
