Real Salt Lake 2 vs. Portland Timbers 3
August 7, 2021; Providence Park, Portland, Oregon
Real Salt Lake (5-6-6, 21 points); Portland Timbers (7-8-2, 23 points)Â
Man of the Match: In just his second start since joining the Real Salt Lake squad, Jonathan Menendez provided a spark offensively, lighting up Portland’s defense when the ball was at his feet to create space and chances for the away side. The Argentine winger recorded his first assist with the club, providing a clever pass to Albert Rusnak for the captain’s fourth goal of the year. Â
Telling Stat: Midfielder Damir Kreilach scored in his fourth-consecutive game against Portland Timbers, dating back to the 2019 Western Conference Quarterfinal. The goal marks his eighth of the season, the second-most by a midfielder in Major League Soccer. The midfielder has now tied his 2020 goal total and is four away from eclipsing his career-high of 12 goals, set in 2018 which was his first year with the club.Â
What You Missed: Despite leading Portland in nearly every statistical category, Real Salt Lake fell 3-2 the first time the team has allowed the opposition to net three goals in a single game. Albert Rusnak scored his fourth of the year, while Damir Kreilach found his eighth, but the deficit was too much for Real Salt Lake’s offensive comeback.Â
What’s Next: Real Salt Lake will return home after a three-game swing of road matches to host 2021 expansion-side Austin FC for the first time since the Texas club joined the league. The match is set for Saturday, August 14 at 8:00 p.m. MT. Additionally, after receiving his fifth yellow card of the season against Portland, defender Justen Glad will be forced to miss the upcoming match against Austin FC at Rio Tinto Stadium.
