Real Salt Lake in fine form against LA Galaxy

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Real Salt Lake gave a strong performance in a 0-0 draw against the L.A. Galaxy on Wednesday, May 6. Forwards Alvaro Saborio and Devon Sandoval were unable to find the back of the net but had more chances than previous games. Real almost lost on a penalty kick awarded to the L.A. Galaxy in stoppage time but remained due to a Nick Rimando save.

Lightning strikes during the game between Real Salt Lake and the LA Galaxy Wednesday, May 6, 2015, due to severe weather in the area at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy Utah. The game was delayed for over an hour.  (AP)
Lightning strikes during the game between Real Salt Lake and the LA Galaxy Wednesday, May 6, 2015. The game was delayed for more than an hour. (AP)

The game began quickly with a RSL shot on goal in the 13th minute after an hour-long rain delay. Forwards Devon Sandoval and Alvaro Saborio combined for seven offside calls on Real Salt Lake to hinder the attack in the first half.

Gyasi Zardes threatened in the first half with a shot that went wide of the right post, and L.A. Captain Omar Gonzalez was given a yellow card in the 42nd minute for a rough tackle on Sandoval.

The game would remain a draw despite both teams using substitutions in the later part of the second half. The action concluded with a penalty kick given to the Galaxy in stoppage time.

Rimando’s save was dramatic but perhaps not unexpected. He has saved more than 50 percent of his penalties and has the trust of his teammates in penalty kick situations. “Oh, Rimando’s got it,” midfielder Luke Mulholland said of the penalty. “He’s always going to save it,” defender Tony Beltran added.

The game’s other bright spot for RSL was undoubtedly the play by young players such as Jordan Allen. “He brings an energy, and I love to see him play,” head coach Jeff Cassar said. Allen played all 90 minutes in the midfield and had a shot on goal. “He’s got it all, he’s fast, he’s strong, he’s techincal, and most importantly he’s hungry,” said Tony Beltran.

The game was disappointing if only for a lack of a win for Real Salt Lake.

“Obviously the aim is to get three points at home, and we came up a little short on the points, but not on the performance,” Cassar said.

Beltran felt positive about the night’s performance. “This could have been our best performance of the year,” he said.

Real Salt Lake began a two-week road trip against the Chicago Fire on May 9 and the Montreal Impact on May 16.

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