by Gavin Lee
Real Salt Lake fell in a 4-1 decision to the Los Angeles Football Club on Saturday, August 6, 2022 at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah. RSL had no answer for the LAFC offense. However, RSL remains in fifth place in the Western Conference standings with 34 points and a record of 9-8-7 on the season and 7-2-3 at home.
The First Half
After a back-and-forth start for both teams, LAFC midfielder Ilie Sánchez took a header in the eighth minute that was saved by RSL goalkeeper Zac MacMath. However, LAFC striker Cristian Arango found the bottom right corner following a set piece situation just a few minutes later to put LAFC up 1-0 early.
Less than three minutes later, RSL forward Sergio Córdova fired the equalizer in the bottom left corner of the post to tie the game 1-1. Unfortunately for RSL, LAFC midfielder Kellyn Acosta scored another goal right behind Zac MacMath to retake the lead 2-1.
The rest of the half would continue to seesaw with both teams firing shots at goal. LAFC came close to scoring twice; however, MacMath made the saves and prevented any further damage in the half.
The Second Half
RSL started the second half frantically, with left winger Justin Meram trying to head one in; however, LAFC goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau made the save. Midfielder Pablo Ruiz attempted another shot minutes later but hit the post.
Following the missed attempts, Arango found another LAFC goal by softly putting the ball behind MacMath to create a 3-1 lead in the 60’ mark. RSL wouldn’t get very close to answering until the 77’ mark when left back Andrew Brody took a direct shot into the bottom left corner; however, Crépeau saved the attempt.
After a few more missed attempts by LAFC, reserve forward Gareth Bale put the finishing touches with another goal in the 87’, giving the team a 4-1 cushion. RSL never came close to answering for the rest of the game.
This is now the second-straight home loss for RSL after a 7-0-3 home record to start the season.
Despite the loss, RSL led in possession time (56.4 percent to 44.6 percent), shots (16 to 14), blocked shots (five to two), and corners (seven to two). Goalkeeper Zac MacMath even had a four-save performance despite allowing four goals. However, LAFC had more shots on goal (eight to three) and a two-goal performance by striker Cristian Arango.
RSL now heads back on the road to take on the Seattle Sounders FC on Sunday, August 14, 2022 at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington. The game will begin at 8 p.m. MT and can be streamed on ESPN+.
Image courtesy of 90min.com