SEATTLE, Washington (Saturday, March 4, 2023) – Real Salt Lake (1-1-0, 3 points) were held scoreless at Seattle Sounders, dropping a 2-0 result to the defending CONCACAF Champions League winners.
Real Salt Lake looked to threaten Seattle from the offset, maintaining a majority of the possession through the opening minutes. However, in the ninth minute Seattle’s Nicholas Lodeiro ripped a shot towards goal, which goalkeeper Zac MacMath was able to push wide left. The follow up shot from Heber appeared to be trickling its way past the goal-line, but **Justen Glad**, diving towards goal, was able to get a foot on the ball stopping what appeared to be a sure goal.
The two sides continued to trade possession until the 35th minute when Jordan Morris was able to sneak between two defenders to head in the opening goal of the match. Despite continued pressure from the Sounders, Real Salt Lake were able to get to the halftime break behind 1-0 to the home side.
Coming out of the halftime break Real Salt Lake looked to once again press towards goal, but the Sounders defense was able to thwart the Claret-and-Cobalt’s offensive advances. Seattle doubled the lead in the 58th minute when Cristian Roldan sent a short cross to Heber who easily redirected the ball past the goalkeeper.
Seattle nearly scored their third goal of the match in the 79th minute when Heber broke away towards goal, but MacMath was able to read the dribble and stop the attack. Despite several late-game opportunities Real Salt Lake were unable to finish off any of its attempts and the match ended 2-0 in favor of the Sounders.
UP NEXT: Real Salt Lake return home for its Home Opener against Austin FC on Saturday, March 11 at 7:30 p.m. MT.
GOAL SCORING SUMMARY:
SEA: Jordan Morris (Alex Roldan) 35th minute: From deep outside the 18-yard-box, Roldan sent a long cross to Morris who rose above two defenders to head the ball down into the goal
SEA: Heber (Alex Roldan) 58th minute: After Zac MacMath made the initial save, the ball fell to the feet of Roldan who collected it and sent a cross towards goal for Heber to run onto and redirect into the back of the net.
NOTES:
- Midfielder Jasper Löffelsend was unavailable due to a suspension received following the team’s match against Vancouver Whitecaps FC on February 25, 2023.
Lineups:
Real Salt Lake (4-4-2): Zac MacMath; Andrew Brody, Justen Glad, Marcelo Silva, Bryan Oviedo; Maikel Chang (Andres Gomez 60’), Scott Caldwell (Diego Luna 72’), Braian Ojeda, Jefferson Savarino; Damir Kreilach (Justin Meram 72’), Anderson Julio (Rubio Rubin 60’)
Subs not used: Tomas Gomez, Rubio Rubin, Erik Holt, Moses Nyeman, Danny Musovski, Bode Hidalgo
Seattle Sounders (4-2-3-1): Stefan Frei; Alex Roldan, Yeimar Gomez, Jackson Ragen, Nouhou; Joao Paulo, Albert Rusnak, Cristian Roldan, Nicolás Lodeiro (Josh Atencio 80’), Jordan Morris (Leo Chu 80’); Heber (Raul Ruidiaz 81’)
Subs not used: Stefan Clevland, Xavier Arreaga, Kelyn Rowe, Fredy Montero, Danny Leyva, Dylan Teves
Stats Summary: RSL / SEA
Shots: 7 / 19
Shots on Goal: 2 / 8
Saves: 5 / 2
Corner Kicks: 5 / 4
Fouls: 9 / 12
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY:RSL: Braian Ojeda (caution) 62’
SEA: Nouhou (caution) 73’
SEA: Leo Chu (caution) 86’
OFFICIALS:
Referee: Victor Rivas
Assistant Referees: Jeffery Greeson, Mike Rottersman
4th Official: Elijio Arreguin
VAR: Jose Carlos Rivero
