August 2016 in Review
RSL August record: 3-2-0
RSL season record: 12-8-7 (12-9-10 overall)
Results: @ Toronto FC 0-1; vs. Chicago Fire 3-1; @ Seattle Sounders FC 1-2; vs. FC Dallas 1-0; vs. Colorado Rapids 2-1.
RSL suffered two road losses to suddenly hot teams in Toronto FC and Seattle Sounders FC, both 3-1-1 in the last five matches, but otherwise stormed through the August schedule with a dominating victory over the Chicago Fire followed by a pair of home wins over Western Conference leaders FC Dallas and the Colorado Rapids. All that without the services of defender Aaron Maund, who was enjoying a breakout season until a foot injury had him out of the lineup, Jordan Allen or Sunday Stephen, who are both back in full after injuries had previously limited them.
Top Performer: Javier Morales and Yura Movsisyan both had two-goal games and Joao Plata had three assists for the month, but the recognition this month goes to Jamison Olave. Thrust into the starting role in Maund’s absence, Olave has been stellar on defense while RSL has boasted a 1.00 goals against average for the month. Additionally, he scored the winning goal in a 1-0 win over FC Dallas that propelled RSL back into contention for the Supporters’ Shield conversation.
Unsung Hero: Demar Phillips has really come into his own at left back and while his defensive prowess has been on display of late, it’s been his contributions in the attack that land him with the honor for August. A speedy player on the left side, Phillips had two assists this month to help bolster RSL’s offense. In getting involved in the attack, Phillips creates a dangerous dynamic that becomes difficult to defend for the opposition, particularly because he is able to recover so well defensively.
By The Numbers: 5. RSL is now just five points behind FC Dallas for the top record in the league. The difference between the two clubs is one home result and one road result – a home draw and road loss for RSL and wins in both cases for Dallas. As the final two months of the season get underway, Salt Lake has a chance to overtake Dallas while also fending off Colorado and Toronto FC, who both are on 43 points as well.
Up Next: Salt Lake has four matches in September – three at home and one away. With matches against the LA Galaxy, Houston Dynamo and FC Dallas at home broken up by the lone road match against Portland, there is a chance for RSL to spring into the top spot in the West and Supporters’ Shield chases. The four opponents are averaging just under six points in their last five matches while RSL has amassed nine – a hot team heading into the season’s final months.
