When Real Salt Lake played FC Dallas earlier this season, a comedy of errors transpired. A conceded goal in the first minute, an injury to rookie defender Erik Holt and a red card given to Damir Kreilach. It was a difficult game that ended in a loss.
Saturday was somewhat similar, only RSL knew it would be without to key pieces of its club ahead of time. Coach Mike Petke was suspended by Major League Soccer for his conduct toward referees after Wednesday’s loss to Tigres UANL. And Albert Rusnák did not play due to what was described as a minor knee issue.
And while the game at Toyota Stadium finished 11-on-11, neither team managed to score. RSL and FC Dallas played to a scoreless draw, giving each club a point in the Western Conference standings. The result kept Salt Lake in the seventh and final playoff position.
RSL did practically everything right from a statistical standpoint. It outshot FC Dallas 17-10, including five on target to Dallas’ two. Dallas out-possessed Real, but not by much. It was Dallas goalkeeper Jesse González that stole the show.
“We deserved the win,” acting RSL coach Freddy Juarez said. “No one can say we didn’t deserve it. We created some quality chances against a tough opponent. Their goalkeeper was pretty good tonight and he had a solid performance.”
Real picked up its fourth draw and first scoreless draw of the season. Salt Lake has either won or drawn in four of its last six games.
RSL looked dangerous in the attack for much of the first half. Sebastian Saucedo had two shots on goal early, but neither had the type of pace that would challenge González. A few minutes before the hydration break, Jefferson Savarino’s shot was easily saved by González.
Seconds before halftime, Marcelo Silva put a lot of juice on a header but González again provided the save.
In the 56th minute, González punched away a shot into the box, where Corey Baird was waiting. Baird struck with force but González was there, saving the shot with his thigh.
“We created enough chances to win the game, but well settle for a point and try and improve,” Kyle Beckerman said. “I think two weeks ago we were in a similar position, but we lost the game. We said that we would try and learn from this. We had the chance tonight and it seems like we have learned.”
RSL picked up its fourth in the last seven games.
“We’re getting into making it tough to the opponents while creating chances,” Juarez said. “There are times where we scored four goals against Philadelphia, and maybe had the same type opportunities at the end that wouldn’t go in, but that’s just how the game of soccer is. But with an attitude like that we are going to win a lot of games.”
Notes
Justen Glad played in this 100th career MLS game. … Nick Rimando was honored before the game and given cowboy boots and a cowboy hat. … Rimando earned his 150th career shutout.
