Real Salt Lake 3 vs Toronto FC 0
May 18, 2019; Rio Tinto Stadium
Real Salt Lake (5-6-1, 16 points); Toronto FC (5-5-2, 17 points)
Man of the Match: With a goal and an assist, it’s hard to argue with Sebastian Saucedo. Beyond getting on the score sheet for his first goal and second assist of the season, he was also impactful in other ways for RSL’s attack. He not only finished the game with two chances created and four fouls won in helping instigate RSL’s offense early in the match, but also did the defensive work to come up with two tackles on the afternoon as well.
Telling Stat: With Saucedo’s first goal of the season, eight different RSL players have now scored goals this year. The diversity and depth in the attack has been on full display, as Albert Rusnák and Sam Johnson lead the way with five and four goals, respectively. But even when the top scorers don’t hit the net, RSL still has options in the attack and as those players round into form, the offense becomes all the more dangerous.
What You Missed: Jefferson Savarino was a late addition to the starting lineup and had perhaps his best game of the season. In addition to game-highs with five shots and five fouls won, he also scored his second goal of the season, stuffing the ball under his jersey in celebration of his goal and his wife’s pregnancy. It was a family affair for the goal-scorers at Rio Tinto Stadium, as Saucedo and Damir Kreilach both also acknowledged family in the stands that were visiting from out of town.
So What: RSL now has two straight wins – both in three-goal games for Salt Lake - and will have a quick turnaround with defending MLS Cup champion Atlanta United FC coming to Rio Tinto Stadium on Friday. Atlanta still has an explosive arsenal in the attack, but defensively has been a standard-bearer this season. With five consecutive shutouts entering the weekend, Atlanta has allowed a league-best eight goals through 11 matches. The RSL attack and win streak will be put to the test on Friday night at Rio Tinto Stadium.
