Real Salt Lake 2 vs Seattle Sounders FC 2 (USL) 1
June 16, 2015; Rio Tinto Stadium
Real Salt Lake advances to the fifth round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup
Man of the Match: Javier Morales was a game-changer for RSL, coming on as a second-half substitute and providing a needed spark in the attack. However, Joao Plata finished with a goal and an assist and nearly added more in causing havoc for the defense throughout the match. His third career U.S. Open Cup goal ties him with Jason Kreis and Devon Sandoval for the club record for goals in the tournament, while Kyle Beckerman and Andy Williams have three when qualifying rounds from 2007-2010 are included.
Telling Stat: 6. Real Salt Lake had no shots on goal in the first half, but six in the second half, taking control of the game after the halftime break. RSL had four first-half shots, but couldn’t get any on frame. Then with eight second-half shots, six tested the goalkeeper with two finding the net. Plata had three of those shots on goal to lead the team with four total shots, also a high for the game.
What You Missed: Goalkeeper Jeff Attinella gave a spirited speech to his teammates before the start of the second half. RSL was on the field with still nearly four minutes remaining in the intermission and Attinella was animated in his instructions and encouragement to his teammates. The response was immediate as RSL controlled the second half.
So What: RSL gets back into MLS play on Sunday against Sporting Kansas City and will learn its fifth-round opponent in the U.S. Open Cup on Thursday. However, already hampered with injuries to center backs Jamison Olave and Chris Schuler and without Elias Vasquez while he deals with a visa issue, RSL may also be without Justen Glad, who suffered a head injury during the match and is being examined on Wednesday.
