For the last six matches in the MLS Is Back Tournament and the continuation of play for the 2020 Major League Soccer regular season, Real Salt Lake had something missing in every victory and dramatic comeback. With every goal scored or inspired defensive effort, the excitement was limited to just the RSL contingent of players, coaches and staff on hand.
On Wednesday, that all changed with 4,026 fans at Rio Tinto Stadium.
With safety regulations in place to prioritize the health and safety of everyone in attendance, RSL welcomed fans to return to a bit of modified normalcy. While fans sang, chanted and cheered every ebb and flow of the match, the difference was palpable to the players on the field.
“It felt amazing, to be honest,” said RSL defender Justen Glad, whose parents were in attendance to see him score his first goal of the season. “Feeling the energy after the goals or after a big tackle gives the team a little bit more life. For me, it was great to be back out in front of the fans, and hopefully give them a show.”
Added defender Aaron Herrera, “It was incredible, being able to be out there and feel their energy. Tonight, it seemed like there were a lot more than 5,000, that’s for sure. They were loud and it was extremely nice. It felt a lot more normal, less like a training session and more like a game.”
On Wednesday, those at Rio Tinto Stadium were treated to a dramatic comeback draw to earn a 2-2 draw against Seattle Sounders FC. The match was highlighted by a series of RSL opportunities thwarted by Seattle goalkeeper Stefan Frei, with the equalizer seemingly moments away. Finally in the 85th minute, a 30-yard bomb from Pablo Ruiz sent the fans into a frenzy and gave RSL a hard-fought point.
While the dramatic conclusion gave fans plenty to cheer about, Head Coach Freddy Juarez knows there is more to be had and aims to send the fans with three points next time out.
“I wish we would’ve won the game for them. I think we did enough to win the game,” he said. “It’s that feeling when you tie the game and then re-tie the game, you know that 4,000 that were here tonight - it gets you going. It was awesome to finally get to play in front of some fans and get a reaction from good plays in our goal.”
RSL takes to the road on Sunday to face Minnesota United, but will return for two consecutive home matches on September 9 against LAFC and September 12 against the Colorado Rapids.
For a full list of safety protocols put in place for the match at Rio Tinto Stadium to keep players, staff, fans and media safe, click here.
