Real Salt Lake 0 at Colorado Rapids 1
May 7, 2016; Commerce City, Colorado; Dick’s Sporting Goods Park
Real Salt Lake (5-2-2, 17 points); Colorado Rapids (6-2-2, 20 points)
Man of the Match: Juan Manuel Martinez was a focal point for RSL’s attack, raising terror for Colorado’s wide defenders throughout the match. He finished with a game-high five shots and put two shots on goal. Perhaps most telling of the threat he caused was that he was fouled five times in the match, bringing his season total to 21 fouls won (or 2.92 per 90 minutes).
Telling Stat: Of RSL’s 13 shots, seven came in the final 32 minutes, after Joao Plata returned to the lineup after a two-match absence. RSL’s leading scorer was unable to help the Claret-and-Cobalt equalize on the night, but the difference with him on the field was clearly evident.
What You Missed: Former Real Salt Lake defender Chris Schuler started and played 45 minutes for Real Monarchs SLC in a 3-1 loss to Portland Timbers 2 at Providence Park on Saturday night. With Schuler in the lineup in the first half, the Monarchs were outscored 1-0 while Schuler got his first playing time since last July. He is easing back from a series of injuries that cut his 2015 season short and has shown progress in training as he continues to be evaluated and tested.
So What: After starting the season 1-0-2 in road matches against Orlando City SC, the Portland Timbers and Sporting Kansas City, RSL has now lost two consecutive road matches against the LA Galaxy and Colorado Rapids. With four more matches away from home before the next home match against the Timbers at Rio Tinto Stadium on June 18, Salt Lake will need to get a result in Houston on Saturday to get back on track.
