The MLS Cup Playoffs always create memorable moments. Where legends are made and character revealed.
But there was something in the air at Rio Tinto Stadium on Saturday night.
Rain poured down from the night sky and the 17,452 fans in attendance braved the elements to make the RioT a fortress yet again. And yet, for nearly one minute, there was a decidedly different emotion.
When the game clock turned to 27:00, the supporters in Section 27 led a minute of silence to honor Kylie Park. Real Salt Lake and its supporters lost one of their own when Kylie passed away last week after a tragic auto accident. With flowers and ribbons decorating her seat in the stadium, fans stood in silence, scarves outstretched over their heads to pay tribute to one of their own.
“RSL will have an angel looking over them on Saturday, let's show her our love!” read a Facebook event post in the days leading up to the match.
There was decidedly something in the air when Corey Baird sent a cross in from the left side and time stood still as Damir Kreilach freed himself from the Portland defense. The silence from the crowd was suddenly interrupted with a gasp of anticipation, then a thunderous roar as Kreilach’s header crept past Portland goalkeeper Steve Clark to stake RSL to a 1-0 lead.
The clock read 27:47.
The timing of the run was impeccable. The timing of the goal was crucial for RSL to break through against a Portland side that had won four consecutive matches over Salt Lake in the regular season.
The timing of the moment … that was nothing short of magical.
The fairy tale didn’t end there though.
Rain gave way to snow during halftime, creating a mythical atmosphere on an already special night.
The dream sequence continued into the 88th minute when Jefferson Savarino sent the stadium into a frenzy with the game-winning goal to send Real Salt Lake into the Western Conference Semifinals for the second consecutive season. Moments before the ball found its way to Savarino’s foot across the Portland box, though, Kyle Beckerman’s arms raised above his head, outstretched with a premonition of a goal.
Somehow he knew. Well before foot met ball.
Kreilach, who had been subbed out minutes earlier and was donning a black stadium jacket over his jersey, couldn’t be contained, joining in the dogpile until a bemused referee pointed him back to the sideline.
And suddenly Real Salt Lake was more than just 11 professionals on the field.
Like a movie flashback, they transformed to children playing in the park. Engulfed in the moment. Enthused by their shared joy.
It was a special night – for the organization, for the team on the field, for the fans in attendance.
At the risk of sounding cliché or dramatic, it was as if RSL had an extra player on the field.
At the very least, there was an extra presence in the stands.
#ScarvesUpForKylie
