RSL unable to hang with LAFC, fall 2-0

Real Salt Lake lost 2-0 against the Western Conference-leading Los Angeles Football Club on Sunday, Sep. 4, at the Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles, California. After a scoreless first half, RSL never recovered from a two-goal second half by LAFC. RSL now falls to 11-9-9 on the season and is currently in sixth place in the Western Conference Standings with 42 points.

The First Half

After an alternating start to the match, LAFC center-back Giorgio Chiellinitook attempted a header on goal in the 10th minute but missed to the left. 

RSL left winger Jefferson Savarino took a long-range shot on goal towards the bottom right corner a few minutes later; however, LAFC goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau made the save. 

LAFC proceeded to outshoot RSL 5-0 for the remainder of the half but was unable to score. LAFC center-back Jesús Murillo almost scored with a header towards the top center of the goal in the 28th, but RSL keeper Zac MacMath made the catching save. 

The Second Half

The second half got off to a quick start for LAFC as defender Ryan Hollingshead drilled the ball into the top of the goal following a deflection from MacMath in the 49th, giving LAFC the 1-0 lead. RSL right winger Bryan Oviedo tried to answer in the 53rd with a long-range volley kick towards the top middle of the goal, but Crépeau was able to prevent the score. 

RSL forward Rubio Rubín had another opportunity for RSL to score in the 57th minute, trying to bullet the ball into the bottom right corner, but Crépeau made yet another save.

Following the missed attempt for RSL, LAFC took five more shots before Cristian Arango scored the second goal for LAFC in the 68th minute. 

Anderson Julio and Marcelo Silva each tried to respond for RSL, getting close looks; however, they were both thwarted by Crépeau.

LAFC almost scored again in the 89th after MacMath conceded a penalty kick, but MacMath was able to make the diving save against LAFC substitute Carlos Vela. The rest of the game went uneventful to end with a score of 2-0. 

LAFC statistically dominated RSL in almost every category while out possessing RSL 55.1% to 44.9% and outshooting RSL 20 to eight. Zac MacMath, despite giving up two goals, racked up five saves while opposing goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau had four. 

RSL now returns home to take on D.C. United on Saturday, Sep. 10, at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah at 7:30 p.m. MT. The match can be streamed on ESPN+ or locally on KMYU. The game can also be streamed on KSLSports.com.

Image courtesy of USA Today Sports.