Real Salt Lake 3 vs. 2 Colorado Rapids - May 20, 2023; Dick’s Sporting Goods Park; Commerce City, Colorado Real Salt Lake (4-6-3, 15 points); Colorado Rapids (2-6-6, 12 points)
Man of the Match: Captain **Damir Kreilach** led Real Salt Lake to victory against Colorado Rapids once again, as the midfielder made his 11th all-time appearances against the Rapids, helping the Club achieve a 8W-2L-1D record against the lesser side of the Rockies. In the 44th minute Kreilach scored his seventh goal against the Colorado Rapids which puts him second all time in goals scored in the Rocky Mountain Cup only behind former Real Salt Lake forward Joao Plata, who has netted nine goals against the Rapids.
Telling Stats: Real Salt Lake has won against the Colorado Rapids a total of 17 times since the start of the 2014 campaign, more than any other team against any MLS opponent during this period. Real Salt Lake has outscored the Rapids 36-33 all-time in Commerce City and improves to 9W-11L-6D while playing on the road against Colorado, which marks the highest road victory total in the Club’s history.
What You Missed: As the first game of the Rocky Mountain Cup in 2023 commenced both teams looked to strike first. Colorado Rapids took the first shot of the match as Colorado’s Bryan Costa struck a screamer that was impressively saved by an outstretched diving **Zac MacMath**. Real Salt Lake retaliated when **Pablo Ruiz** slotted a goal past the Rapid’s rearguard from 35 yards out. **Danny Musovski** extended the lead a few moments later when he scored from inside the six yard box, marking his first goal for RSL in Major League Soccer competition. After Colorado was awarded a free kick Connor Rogan whipped a cross into Danny Wilson who headed the ball past MacMath. Real Salt Lake refused to settle for a one goal lead as Kreilach netted another goal for the Claret-and-Cobalt giving them a controlling 3-1 lead at the half. In the second half Real Salt Lake continued to look to score but was unable to find the back of the net. Colorado attempted to draw the score even multiple times by controlling possession and creating eight shots in the second half but Real Salt Lake’s backline remained steadfast only allowing an additional Colorado goal in the 74th minute. RSL’s 3-2 win in Commerce City breaks the 381 minute scoreless drought experienced by the team in Major League Soccer competition.
What’s Next?: Real Salt Lake will travel across the Rockies again this coming week to face the Rapids in Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 on Wednesday, May 24 at 8:00 p.m. MT. RSL will look to continue its dominance on the road during their Open Cup campaign and advance past Colorado to gain a berth to the Quarterfinals for the first time since 2015. The following Saturday, May 27 at 6:30 p.m. MT Salt Lake will resume Major League Soccer play against Minnesota United at Allianz Field.
