SANDY, Utah (Saturday, July 22, 2023) – Real Salt Lake dominated the visiting Seattle Sounders (MLS) in the Club’s inaugural Leagues Cup match with a defensive clean sheet supported by goals from **Jefferson Savarino** and **Chicho Arango** just three minutes apart early in the second half, along with a third from **Rubio Rubín** to secure the 3-0 victory at America First Field.
With the result, Real Salt Lake will advance to the Round of 32 with a win or a draw at home this Wednesday, July 26, against visiting CF Monterrey (Liga MX).
In the first of two matches at America First Field for the Group Stage of the Leagues Cup, Real Salt Lake were quick to establish offensive dominance. Creating several opportunities in the early minutes, RSL found itself close to finding the opening goal, including a near screamer from Savarino in the 16th minute, which forced Seattle’s goalkeeper to make a dynamic save.
On the other end, the Claret-and-Cobalt’s defensive prowess limited the Sounders’ ability to generate any real threat, with Seattle failing to register a single shot on target during the first half. In the 41st minute, it seemed as if rookie **Emeka Eneli** would put RSL in front with his first goal of the season, but the defender’s shot was blocked with a point-blank save from Seattle’s Stefan Frei. Despite dominating in possession and creating a multitude of chances, Real Salt Lake entered the halftime break still scoreless, tied with Seattle at 0-0.
Real Salt Lake’s offensive persistence finally paid off at the start of the second half, with Savarino finding the back of the net just three minutes into the half. Arango bulldozed his way down the field, driving through a sea of Rave Green to attempt a shot - which was blocked by a Seattle defender - but a determined Savarino followed up the shot, slamming the ball into the back of the net.
With the first goal in the bag, the floodgates opened for RSL, as Arango netted one of his own just three minutes later, dribbling the ball and outpacing his defender to slot his shot into the upper netting of the goal, giving RSL the 2-0 lead. In the 60th minute, RSL was reduced to 10 men after a reckless tackle saw defender **Marcelo Silva** receive a straight red card.
Despite being down a man, RSL continued to press for a third, finding the final goal in the 88th minute when **Anderson Julio** linked up with Rubin, who spun around his defender to hit a low shot into the far post, out of reach of the goalkeeper, securing the 3-0 win.
UP NEXT: Real Salt Lake continues its Leagues Cup journey at America First Field with its second match, facing Liga MX side CF Monterrey, this Wednesday, July 26 at 7:30 p.m. MT. With a win or a draw over CF Monterrey, RSL will advance to the Round of 32. Tickets for Wednesday are available at www.RSL.com/tickets or at www.LeaguesCup.com.
GOAL-SCORING SUMMARY:
RSL: Jefferson Savarino 48th minute: After Chicho Arango’s shot was saved off the line by a Seattle defender, Savarino was quick to follow up the shot, slamming home the loose ball.
RSL: Chicho Arango (Pablo Ruiz) 51st minute: Ruiz picked out Arango down field for the striker to out-pace his defender and rocket a shot into the upper netting of the goal.
RSL: Rubio Rubin 88th minute: Anderson Julio looked to provide a low cross into the box, but his service was slightly redirected by a Seattle defender, putting the ball at an awkward position for Rubin. However, Rubin was able to spin around his defender and fire a low shot into the far post.
NOTES:
- With his goal, Jefferson Savarino became the first RSL player to score in all three competitions this season, netting nine goals between regular season, U.S. Open Cup and Leagues Cup.
- Additionally, Savarino has now scored in three of the last four matches across all competitions.
- Since joining RSL, striker Chicho Arango has recorded either a goal or an assist in each of his first four matches. Arango scored against Orlando City and Seattle Sounders, while providing an assist against Sporting Kansas City and New York Red Bulls, all in a three-week period to extend his own Club-record with goal contributions in his first four games.
- RSL now owns 15 wins, 5 losses and 3 draws at home all-time in knockout competitions (CCL / USOC / Leagues Cup) entering Wednesday.
- RSL also boasts 12 wins, 2 losses and four ties all-time at home v Sounders in MLS regular season and playoff matches, as well as Leagues Cup.
Lineups:
Real Salt Lake (4-4-2): Zac MacMath; Emeka Eneli, Marcelo Silva, Brayan Vera, Bryan Oviedo; Jefferson Savarino (Bode Hidalgo 72’), Braian Ojeda, Pablo Ruiz (Jasper Löffelsend 84’), Diego Luna (Rubio Rubin 72’); Chicho Arango (Justen Glad 63’), Danny Musovski (Anderson Julio 72’)
Subs not used: Gavin Beavers, Tomas Gomez, Scott Caldwell, Bertin Jacquesson, Andres Gomez, Damir Kreilach, Nelson Palacio
Seattle Sounders (4-2-3-1): Stefan Frei; Nouhou, Yeimar Gomez (Abdoulaye Cissoko 53’), Jackson Ragen, Alex Roldan; Leo Chu (Jordan Morris 46’), Obed Vargas (Josh Atencio 46’), Albert Rusnak, Joao Paulo (Heber 69’), Cristian Roldan (Dylan Teves 46’); Raul Ruidiaz
Subs not used: Stefan Cleveland, Jacob Castro, Fredy Montero, Reed Baker-Whiting, Cody Baker
Stats Summary: RSL / SEAShots: 19 / 7
Shots on Goal: 8 / 1
Saves: 1 / 5
Corner Kicks: 4 / 4
Fouls: 11 / 5
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY:RSL: Bryan Oviedo (caution) 34’
RSL: Chicho Arango (caution) 45+2’
SEA: Yeimar Gomez (caution) 45+2’
RSL: Marcelo Silva (ejection) 60’
RSL: Brayan Vera (caution) 81’
