Real Salt Lake 1 at LA Galaxy 1
September 30, 2017; Carson, Calif.; StubHub Center
Real Salt Lake (12-14-6, 42 points); LA Galaxy (7-17-8, 29 points)
Man of the Match: There were several opportunities to find a hero in the second half as RSL sought an equalizer. Albert Rusnák and Joao Plata were setting up scoring chances and late substitutes Brooks Lennon and Sebastian Saucedo had late chances to score. However, it was Kyle Beckerman who netted the late equalizer with his fourth goal of the season. It’s potentially a season-defining moment for a team fighting for playoff contention.
Telling Stat: An equalizer seemed bound to find the net and if not, it would have been a remarkable performance by Clement Diop. Of RSL’s eight shots on goal in the match, four came in the 85th minute and beyond. Lennon and Plata (twice) both had their attempts saved, but Beckerman wasn’t to be denied on his left-footed shot on an assist from David Horst.
What You Missed: While Beckerman’s goal was tremendous and Nick Rimando had six saves, a late block by Horst made his later assist all the more crucial. He’s had four assists in 10-year MLS career and this one was sure to be memorable.
So What: RSL remains in playoff position, holding onto the sixth spot in the West standings by virtue of the tiebreakers it holds over the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas. With the Houston Dynamo holding a one-point edge, the chase is on for the final two playoff spots. RSL and San Jose both have two games left while Houston and Dallas have three games remaining. While the Texas sides have more opportunities for picking up points, they are also in the poorest form. It’s going to be an interesting few weeks to close out the regular season.
