Real Salt Lake 2 vs Portland Timbers 2
June 18, 2016; Sandy, Utah; Rio Tinto Stadium
Real Salt Lake (7-4-3, 24 points); Portland Timbers (5-6-5, 20 points)
Man of the Match: Yura Movsisyan provided an intense emotional boost through the second half after RSL fell behind 2-1 just before halftime. It was Movsisyan that drew and converted the equalizing penalty, but the lasting image is of him waving his arms to the standing room only crowd of 20,317, keeping them entrenched in the action while Salt Lake fought its way back into control of the match.
Telling Stat: RSL outshot Portland 18-12, including 11-6 in the second half. Javier Morales picked up his second assist of the year on the first goal of the match from Juan Manuel Martinez and created five chances on the night. While the midfielder has spread the love between the three forwards in front of him, it has also meant he has seen less of the ball throughout the year, but this match was something of a return to form for Real Salt Lake’s Team MVP of 2015.
What You Missed: Presented without comment.
So What: Real Salt Lake remains unbeaten at Rio Tinto Stadium at 4-0-1 in league and 4-0-3 across all competitions. While that was the first time RSL conceded points to an opponent in league play, it did halt a three-game home losing streak to the Timbers – an unprecedented mark for Salt Lake since joining MLS in 2005. With six matches in 18 days, the momentum continues to build and with the New York Red Bulls around the corner on Wednesday, the opportunity is there to amass more points against one of the top teams in the East that will be coming in on short rest after hosting Seattle on Sunday.
