Real Salt Lake 1 vs. 2 Austin FC
March 11, 2023; America First Field; Sandy, Utah Real Salt Lake (1-2-0, 3 points); Austin FC (2-1-0, 6 points)
Man Of The Match: Justen Glad put in another solid performance as part of the defense, while also adding his second goal of the season in the 2-1 loss. Three games into the 2023 campaign, Glad is now just one goal shy of his career season high. The Homegrown product was subbed off in the second half after pulling up with an apparent leg injury following a goal-saving play, but proved effective in 82 minutes of play.
Telling Stat: For just the second time in Club history, RSL dropped its home opener. Since 2005, the Claret-and-Cobalt are now 9-2-8 in the Club’s first game at home, and 8-2-5 at America First Field. The only other loss came in 2018 against the then newly-established expansion side LAFC, a 5-1 result.
What You Missed: Austin FC opened the scoring in the ninth minute after Jon Gallagher ripped a shot from outside the 18-yard box that deflected off the crossbar to beat Zac MacMath. RSL responded in the 22nd minute when Andrew Brody’s cross was headed down by Damir Kreilach to the feet of Justen Glad who knocked it home. The visitors would get another goal before the break in a similar fashion to their first, this time off the boot of 18-year-old Owen Wolff for his first Major League Soccer goal. Despite a handful of chances in the second half, RSL could not find the equalizer and dropped its home opener for just the second time in Club history.
What’s Next?: RSL will benefit from its first bye week next weekend before hosting MLS newcomers St. Louis City FC on Saturday, March 25 at 7:30 pm M.T.
