Real Salt Lake Lets Timbers Stand In Scoreless Draw

SANDY, Utah – The Force of Star Wars Night wasn’t enough for Real Salt Lake to pick up the win in a 0-0 draw with the Portland Timbers.

RSL (4-7-2, 13 points) is hosting the Portland Timbers at America First Field (6-3-4, 22 points) on Wednesday, May 14.

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One point at the Riot#RSLvPOR | @SelectHealth pic.twitter.com/04T4gLNL7R

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) May 15, 2025

Zavier Gozo had a handful of scoring chances but couldn’t capitalize in the scoreless game.

Portland has gone five straight matches against Real Salt Lake with a point.

First Half

The Claret & Cobalt sat back, letting the match come to them in the opening minutes.

One good build earned RSL the match’s first corner in the 15th minute. The second chance ended in a Maxime Crépeau save.

Starting XI for @realsaltlake !

Piol up top. Unchanged with Luna Diogo and Gozo. Caliskan repeats at RB. Hidalgo and Junqua at CBs

Your thoughts on the XI? #RSL | @kslsports https://t.co/iban1OtZXU

— RSL Show on KSL 🎙️⚡️ (@rslshow) May 15, 2025

Bode Hidlago earned a booking in the 21st minute when his tug on a Timber jersey ended a possible goal-scoring chance for the visitors.

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Zavier Gozo had a chance to open his MLS account in the half’s final seconds, but Portland deflected the ball away before Gozo could get an effective touch.

Even at the break#RSLvPOR | @SeatGeek pic.twitter.com/GGOP47qUNk

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) May 15, 2025

RSL controlled possession but had little to show for it after 45 minutes. Portland was credited with one shot on goal, while Real Salt Lake took two shots in the half.

Second Half

Portland’s first yellow came in the opening moments of the half. Taking the kick from 21 yards out, Diego Luna fired a shot that bounced off the crossbar.

The Timbers created their first genuine scoring chance in the 54th minute. A good push resulted in open space within the 18-yard box. Antony ripped a right-footed shot that sailed wide.

Portland kept Cabral under attack for several minutes as their offense pressed forward.

60' | Pablo's first change of the night#RSLvPOR | @SJ_Utah pic.twitter.com/Dsyr8FWB1c

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) May 15, 2025

Noel Caliskan drew a yellow card right outside the 18-yard box of Portland, opening a golden opportunity for the Timbers. The free kick was sent wide left by David Da Costa.

Gozo chased a ball down in the final 15, but a quick recovery from Portland deflected any chance at a goal away.

The best scoring chance of the match came in the final minutes when Cabral turned away a pair of Portland shots, followed by Samuel Junqua deflecting a sure goal.

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Seconds later, Cabral deflected another shot to keep his sheet clean.

three minutes to finish this one up #RSLvPOR | 0-0 pic.twitter.com/bDC8MZXphX

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) May 15, 2025

Portland ended the match with 12 shot attempts (4 OF), compared to eight and two on frame for RSL.

How To Watch Real Salt Lake

Real Salt Lake renews the Rocky Mountain Cup against the Colorado Rapids on Saturday, May 17. Kickoff in DICK’S Sporting Goods Park is at 7:30 p.m.

All Major League Soccer games are broadcast on Apple TV with MLS Season Pass.

For more Real Salt Lake coverage and analysis, subscribe to The RSL Show and follow them on Instagram. 

You can find KSL Sports coverage of Real Salt Lake here.

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Brian Preece is a sports.ksl.com insider covering Locals in MLB and the Salt Lake Bees. Follow Brian’s Bees and Beehive baseball here. Find Brian on X, Instagram, and BlueSky at @bpreece24. 

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