Real Salt Lake 3 vs. Sporting Kansas City 0
July 17, 2022; Rio Tinto Stadium, Sandy, Utah
Real Salt Lake (9-6-6, 33 points); Sporting Kansas City (5-12-5, 20 pts)
Man of the Match: Winger Justin Meram made history tonight as he became the 25th player in MLS history to join the 50 goal-50 assist club after earning two assists in Real Salt Lake’s commanding win over bitter rivals Sporting Kansas City. Meram is the third RSL player all-time to reach the milestone alongside Claret-and-Cobalt greats Javier Morales and Jeff Cunningham. Additionally, the winger is currently tied with midfielder Maikel Chang for a Club high six assists and tied for second in goals with three.
Telling Stat: With tonight’s win, Real Salt Lake has yet to lose two-consecutive matches during the 2022 campaign, earning 2-0-3. The last time RSL has dropped two matches in a row was on November 3, 2021, when the Club fell 3-1 to Portland Timbers after losing a close match to San Jose Earthquakes. The Claret-and-Cobalt are one of only three teams in MLS and the only team in the Western Conference that has yet to lose two-consecutive matches this season, the others being New York Red Bulls and Philadelphia Union. Real Salt Lake has upped its record to 7-0-3 at home this season and has now won 12 of 13 games following a loss under head coach Pablo Mastroeni.
What You Missed: Real Salt Lake defeated long-time rivals Sporting Kansas City 3-0 in front of a tenth-consecutive sellout crowd. Forward Sergio Cordova netted his Club-leading fourth goal of the season while midfielder Pablo Ruiz found the back of the net for the second time during the 2022 campaign. Forward Jefferson Savarino was dynamic in the attack, earning a goal and an assist in the match, while midfielder Maikel Chang earned his sixth assist of the season. Additionally, defenders Andrew Brody and Aaron Herrera tallied assists tonight and goalkeeper Zac MacMath earned his eighth clean sheet of the season, tying for third in the MLS behind only Chicago’s Gaga Slonina and New York City’s Sean Johnson.
What’s Next: Real Salt Lake will finish its two-game homestand on Saturday, July 23rd at 8:00 p.m. MT against FC Dallas as part of the Club’s Pioneer Day celebration. Make sure to stay after the match to watch the fireworks show on the pitch! Tickets can be purchased at www.rsl.com/tickets.
