Game at a Glance: Ruiz Wreaks Havoc

Real Salt Lake 1 vs. Seattle Sounders FC 0

September 18, 2021; Rio Tinto Stadium, Sandy, Utah

Real Salt Lake (10-9-6, 36 points); Seattle Sounders (13-5-6, 45 points)   

Man of the Match: Midfielder Pablo Ruiz was inserted into the midfield to break up plays and cause chaos for one of the top attacking teams in the league. From first to final whistle he left the opposing team in disarray, running the entire length of the field, interrupting passes and creating chances for RSL to get forward. Ruiz had two blocked shots, while also leading the team in passes and possession gained. 

Telling Stat: Defender Aaron Herrera took another step towards making history when he recorded his ninth assist of the season, tied for the third most in the league and the most by any defender. The current record for most assists in a single season by a defender is 11, achieved by three different defenders in three seasons. In order to overtake the record Herrera will need to record three assists in nine remaining matches this season.

What You Missed: Real Salt Lake extended its home unbeaten streak to six games which includes five consecutive home victories dating back to July 24. The clean sheet is the sixth this season and the fifth at Rio Tinto Stadium. Meanwhile, Damir Kreilach netted the game winner, adding to his season total of 10 goals scored, the ninth most in the league. 

What’s Next: After a grueling three-game week, Real Salt Lake will head into next week with just one game on the docket at Portland Timbers FC. RSL will travel to Portland on Saturday, September 25 where it will kick off at 8:30 p.m. MT from Providence Park. The team will then return to Rio Tinto Stadium where it will host LA Galaxy on Wednesday, September 29 at 7:30 p.m. for Hispanic Heritage Night.