SANDY, Utah (Saturday, March 9, 2019) – Real Salt Lake (1-0-1, 4 points) claimed its first win of the season on Saturday night, topping Vancouver Whitecaps FC 1-0 in front of 17,096 at Rio Tinto Stadium. MF Albert Rusnák’s goal in the first half was enough to usher the club to a home-opening victory.
RSL started the game on the front foot, maintaining possession in the attacking third to force several corner kick chances. In the 21st minute, FW Corey Baird drew a penalty kick which Rusnák easily smashed into the top corner of the net to open the scoring. As the first half drew on, RSL stayed staunch defensively, keeping Whitecaps FC at bay to take a 1-0 lead into the halftime break.
In the second half, RSL showed its defensive stability, thwarting every chance the Whitecaps had in the second 45 minutes. RSL nearly found a second goal through MF Damir Kreilach but ‘Caps goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau turned the header onto the post. The Utah side saw the match out in stoppage time to claim the 1-0 victory.
UP NEXT: Real Salt Lake now travels to the nation’s capital to face D.C. United at Audi Field on March 16.
GOAL SCORING RUNDOWN:
RSL: Albert Rusnák (Penalty), 21st minute: After Corey Baird drew the foul inside the penalty area, Rusnák calmly dispatched the penalty kick, sending the ball into the top right corner of the net.
NOTES:
- Prior to the match, ‘The Riot’ RSL’s unified supporters group unfurled a 150’x70’ tifo on the south end of the stadium, signifying the first time the club has seen a unified supporters group in its 15-year history.
- RSL began a new tradition after the match, planting a flag in front of the south end of the supporters section, mimicking the first home goal in RSL history. The plating of the flag signifies Brian Dunseth’s celebration at the corner flag.
- DF Justen Glad missed his second consecutive match after breaking his toe in training on February 28. FW Joao Plata is out of action this week with an ankle injury.
- Real Salt Lake is now 8-9-4 all-time, including a 6-1-3 record at Rio Tinto Stadium. RSL has won the last three matches at Rio Tinto Stadium against Whitecaps FC, outscoring the Canadian side 6-1.
Match: Real Salt Lake vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Date: March 9, 2019
Venue: Rio Tinto Stadium; Sandy, Utah
Attendance: 17,096
Weather: Cloudy and 41 degrees
Scoring Summary:1 2 F
Real Salt Lake 1 0 1
Whitecaps FC 0 0 0
RSL: Albert Rusnák (Penalty) 21’
Lineups:
Real Salt Lake (4-2-3-1): Nick Rimando; Brooks Lennon, Marcelo Silva, Nedum Onuoha, Aaron Herrera; Kyle Beckerman, Everton Luiz; Jefferson Savarino (Sebastian Saucedo, 76’), Damir Kreilach (Nick Besler, 87’), Albert Rusnák; Corey Baird (Sam Johnson, 66’)
Subs not used:Andrew Putna, Tony Beltran, Justin Portillo, Tate Schmitt
Whitecaps FC: (4-3-3): Maxime Crepeau; Jakob Nerwinski, Erik Godoy, Doneil Henry, Victor Giro (Scott Sutter, 45’+2); Andy Rose, Hwang In-Beom, Jon Erice (Joaquin Ardaiz, 70’); Lucas Venuto (Lass, 61’), Fredy Montero, Yordy Reyna
Subs not used: Zac MacMath, Russell Teibert, Derek Cornelius, Felipe
Stats Summary: RSL / VAN
Shots: 18 / 16
Shots on Goal: 6 / 5
Saves: 5 / 5
Corner Kicks: 4 / 8
Fouls: 12 / 10
Offside: 6 / 0
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY:
VAN – Yordy Reyna (caution) 16’
RSL – Everton Luiz (caution) 41’
OFFICIALS:
Referee: Drew Fischer
Assistant Referees: Claudiu Badea, Matthew Nelson
4th Official: Victor Rivas
VAR: Younes Marrakchi
