The Colorado Rapids rallied to defeat Real Salt Lake 2-1 in a Major League Soccer game on Saturday night at America First Field in Sandy.
RSL took a 1-0 lead in the 22nd minute when Emeka Eneli scored on a left-footed shot from very close range to the high center of the goal, off an assist by Andrés Gómez.
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Real Salt Lake's Emeka Eneli, left, celebrates his goal with Real Salt Lake forward Cristian Arango (9) as RSL hosts the Colorado Rapids during an MLS soccer match in Sandy, Utah on Saturday, March 9, 2024.
Colorado tied the game in the 43rd minute on Rafael Navarro’s right-footed penalty kick to the bottom right corner.
The Rapids then took the lead in the 70th minute when Cole Bassett scored on a right-footed shot from the center of the box to the bottom right corner.
Colorado had 11 shots in the game, including six on goal. RSL had nine shots with four on goal.
Colorado goalkeeper Zack Steffen made three saves in the game, while RSL goalkeeper Gavin Beavers had four saves.
The victory gives Colorado (1-1-1) a leg up in the quest for this season’s Rocky Mountain Cup. The teams are scheduled to meet twice more in the regular season, May 18 in Sandy, and July 20 at Colorado.
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Real Salt Lake forward Carlos Andrés Gómez (11) sets up Real Salt Lake forward Rubio Rubin (14) for the first goal of the night as RSL hosts the Colorado Rapids during an MLS soccer match in Sandy, Utah on Saturday, March 9, 2024.
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Real Salt Lake midfielder Damir Kreilach (8) battles Colorado Rapids defender Keegan Rosenberry (2) as RSL hosts the Colorado Rapids during an MLS soccer match in Sandy, Utah on Saturday, March 9, 2024.
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Real Salt Lake forward Cristian Arango (9) tries to get a shot on goal as RSL hosts the Colorado Rapids during an MLS soccer match in Sandy, Utah on Saturday, March 9, 2024.
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Real Salt Lake forward Rubio Rubin (14) battles Colorado Rapids forward Darren Yapi (77) as RSL hosts the Colorado Rapids during an MLS soccer match in Sandy, Utah on Saturday, March 9, 2024.
Real Salt Lake fell to 1-2-1 on the season. RSL was without midfielder Pablo Ruiz, who suffered a serious knee injury in practice three days after the team beat LAFC 3-0 on a snowy field last Saturday.
