Real Salt Lake 2 vs Seattle Sounders FC 1
March 12, 2016; Sandy, Utah; Rio Tinto Stadium
Real Salt Lake (1-0-1, 4 points); Seattle Sounders FC (0-2-0, 0 points)
Man of the Match: Sunday Stephen Obayan – or “Sunny” as he is better known – has been really impressive in the early stages of his MLS career and Saturday’s match was a good indication of what fans can expect. He not only scored the first goal on RSL’s path to the comeback victory, but he also completed 82% of his passes and had four tackles. His contributions alongside Kyle Beckerman in RSL’s midfield have disrupted opposing attacks and he’s only growing a greater chemistry with his teammates.
Telling Stat: 9-2. After Seattle scored in the 28th minute, the Sounders took the next shot of the match in the 34th minute. Over the next 56 minutes of soccer, RSL outshot Seattle 9-2 to close out the match 2-1 victors. Seattle’s dangerous forward trio of Clint Dempsey, Nelson Valdez and Jordan Morris combined for just four shots in the match and just one shot on goal.
What You Missed: RSL midfielder Javier Morales was out on Saturday with a rib injury and was replaced in the starting lineup by Jordan Allen. While Allen wasn’t the perpetual chance creator that Morales typically plays, he did keep things moving in RSL’s attack while maintaining the team’s shape throughout the match. Allen moved into that No. 10 role during the off-season with the intention of having him spell Morales when needed and he stepped into the position with poise and confidence.
So What: The win improves RSL to 5-0-7 all-time in home openers and is the fifth consecutive home win for RSL over Seattle. Getting an early victory over a Western Conference opponent not only gives RSL three valuable points in the standings, but also gives the team some confidence by earning the win over one of the club’s top rivals in recent years. Up next is another tough matchup with the defending MLS Cup champion Portland Timbers at Providence Park on Saturday.
