Real Salt Lake Lets Timbers Stand In Scoreless Draw
May 14, 2025, 9:40 PM | Updated: May 28, 2025, 3:54 pm
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 26: Rafael Cabral #1 and Sam Junqua #29 of Real Salt Lake defend against Chucky Lozano #11 of San Diego FC during the second half of a game at Snapdragon Stadium on April 26, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
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.
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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.
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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.
