ST. PAUL, Minnesota (Sunday, July 3, 2022) – Real Salt Lake (8-5-5, 29 points) fell just shy of a comeback in Minnesota, dropping the 3-2 result to Minnesota United. Second-half goals from Jefferson Savarino and Anderson Julio where not enough to overcome the three goal defect set by Minnesota.
Despite pressing for goal in the early minutes, Real Salt Lake was unable to thread one through into the back of the net. In the ninth minute Minnesota jumped out to the early lead when Emanuel Reynoso cut across the face of goal to send a left-footed shot into the bottom-left corner for the opening goal of the match. Minnesota continued to pester the Claret-and-Cobalt’s backline throughout much of the first half, only allowing RSL to get one opportunity on goal. It looked as if RSL may be able to escape into the halftime break with just the 1-0 deficit, but a late tackle from Aaron Herrera awarded Minnesota a penalty kick in the final moment of stoppage time. Zac MacMath was able to make the initial stop on the penalty kick, but Reynoso was able to pounce on the rebound, taking the 2-0 lead into halftime.
Head Coach Pablo Mastroeni made several changes coming into the second half, looking to make their way back into the game. But with RSL pressing high for goal, Minnesota was able to capitalize on the high press when Reynoso found Luis Amarilla on the breakaway, putting him one-on-one with MacMath, Amarilla chipped the ‘keeper in the 61st minute to take the 3-0 lead.
Real Salt Lake was finally able to pull one back in the 71st minute when Maikel Chang sent a ball across the face of goal for Savarino to slide in and redirect the pass into the back of the net. Just five minutes later the Claret-and-Cobalt where able to find another who when Savarino serviced a corner to the head of Julio. The second-half substitute flicked the pass backwards, sending it into the back post to pull RSL within one. Real Salt Lake continued to press for the late-game equalizer but were unable to break through in the final moments and the match comeback fell short, ending 3-2 for Minnesota United.
UP NEXT: Real Salt Lake return home for the second leg of the Rocky Mountain Cup, hosting Colorado Rapids at Rio Tinto Stadium on Saturday, July 9 at 8:00 p.m. MT.
GOAL SCORING SUMMARY:
MIN: Emanuel Reynoso 9th minute: Cutting across the face of goal from the right side of the box, Reynoso weaved through several defenders to tuck a left-footed shot into the bottom left corner.
MIN: Emanuel Reynoso (PK) 45+3rd minute: After a late tackle from Aaron Herrera Minnesota was awarded a penalty kick. Reynoso’s first shot was blocked, but he was able to punch on the rebound for his second of the match.
MIN: Luis Amarilla (Emanuel Reynoso) 61st minute: Reynoso thread a pass through two defenders to find Amarilla in open space who ran past his defender, chipping the ball over top MacMath into the back of the net.
RSL: Jefferson Savarino 71st minute: Sergio Cordova hit a long ball to Chang who was able to cross the ball in towards goal where Savarino stuck a sliding leg out to poke it into the back of the net.
RSL: Anderson Julio (Jefferson Savarino) 76th minute: On the corner, Savarino sent a ball directly to the head of Julio who flicked it backwards, tucking it into the back post.
NOTES:
- Zack Farnsworth (right ankle), Bret Halsey (ankle), Bobby Wood (abductor), Justen Glad (hamstring) and Damir Kreilach (back) were unavailable due to injury.
- Homegrown Midfielder Diego Luna was unavailable due to being with the U-20 United States Youth National Team for U-20 FIFA World Cup Qualifying.
Match: Real Salt Lake vs Minnesota United
Date: July 3, 2022
Venue: Allianz Field, St. Paul, Minnesota
Weather: Clear and 87
Attendance: 20,311
Scoring Summary: 1 2 F
Real Salt Lake 0 2 2
Minnesota United 2 1 3
MIN: Emanuel Reynoso 9’
MIN: Emanuel Reynoso (PK) 45+3’
MIN: Luis Amarilla (Emanuel Reynoso) 61’
RSL: Jefferson Savarino 71’
RSL: Anderson Julio (Jefferson Savarino) 76’
Lineups:
Real Salt Lake (4-4-2): Zac MacMath; Andrew Brody, Marcelo Silva, Johan Kappelhof, Aaron Herrera (Erik Holt 66’); Justin Meram (Maikel Chang 66’), Pablo Ruiz, Scott Caldwell (Jasper Löffelsend 46’), Jefferson Savarino; Rubio RubÃn (Anderson Julio 56’), Sergio Córdova
Subs not used: Tomas Gomez, Tate Schmitt, Everton Luiz, Nick Besler, Jonathan Menendez
Minnesota United (4-2-3-1): Dayne St. Clair; Kemar Lawrence, Bakaye Dibassy, Michael Boxall, D.J. Taylor; Robin Lod, Wil Trapp; Franco Fragapane (Abu Danladi 69’), Emanuel Reynoso, Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Oniel Fisher 79’); Luis Amarilla (Jacori Hayes 83’)
Subs not used: Tyler Miller, Eric Dick, Brent Kallman, Justin McMaster, Nabilai Kibunguchy
Stats Summary: RSL / MIN
Shots: 12 / 18
Shots on Goal: 4 / 7
Saves: 4 / 2
Corner Kicks: 7 / 5
Fouls: 9 / 7
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY:MIN: Michael Boxall (caution) 15’
RSL: Pablo Ruiz (caution) 33’
RSL: Aaron Herrera (caution) 37’
RSL: Andrew Brody (caution) 89’
OFFICIALS:
Referee: Ramy Touchan
Assistant Referees: Adam Wienckowski, Ian McKay
4th Official: Chris Ruska
VAR: Sorin Stoica
