Anderson Julio Scores In Stoppage Time To Lift Real Salt Lake Over Toronto FC

SALT LAKE CITY – Real Salt Lake put up a strong 90-plus minute performance capped by a late Anderson Julio goal, giving the Sandy-based club a win over Toronto FC.

Real Salt Lake takes down Toronto FC at the death

Toronto hosted RSL at BMO Field in Ontario on Saturday, July 1.

RSL beat Toronto, 1-0, and picked up three points with a big victory north of the border.

After some struggles early in the season, Real Salt Lake has played much better over the past couple of months. After the win, RSL manager Pablo Mastroeni spoke about the belief he has in himself, his coaching staff, and his players. Mastroeni said that consistent belief along with RSL sticking to its processes has led to a confident group.

“Staying true to who you are and being authentic” is what Mastroeni credits for his team’s success.

ever since i Left the city pic.twitter.com/OjiZbYXYwP

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) July 2, 2023

During the opening 45 minutes of action, Real Salt Lake controlled possession for 52 percent of the first half. In addition to controlling the ball, RSL had multiple chances in the final third of the field. Real Salt Lake outshot Toronto in the opening half, 7-4. However, both teams had one shot on goal in the half. RSL had four corner kicks in the first 45 minutes compared to only two for Toronto FC. RSL goalkeeper Zac MacMath had a strong start to the match with a pair of saves inside the box.

After the break, the second half felt similar to the opening minutes of the contest. Both teams had excellent opportunities and put pressure on the defenses down the stretch.

RELATED: Anderson Julio Breaks Scoreless Draw In Stoppage Time

However, Julio gave the match the moment it craved as the game entered its final minutes. During stoppage time, the forward buried a shot into the back of the net with his right foot. The strike gave Real Salt Lake the 1-0 victory.

At the death!!! Anderson Julio WINS it for @realsaltlake on the road!!! 1-0 FINAL! @kslsports | #RSL pic.twitter.com/KhsVuDoSMe

— RSL Show on KSL (@rslshow) July 2, 2023

Julio entered the match having recorded two goals on 24 shots during his first 16 appearances this season.

Following the victory, Mastroeni praised Julio for finding the back of the net after missing some golden opportunities in recent matches. The manager added that he’s excited about the addition of Chicho Arango next week amidst the improved play of his forwards.

“Really excited about the options,” Mastroeni said.

Real Salt Lake ended the match having controlled possession for 53 percent of the match. The visiting side outshot Toronto 20-12 overall and 7-2 in shots on goal.

Anderson Julio wins it in stoppage time for #RSL over Toronto.@realsaltlake improve to 4-0-2 in its last 6 matches. pic.twitter.com/cUlm7GnkIs

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 2, 2023

RELATED: KSL Sports Live Top 5: Best Goals In Real Salt Lake History

Up Next for Real Salt Lake

With the result, RSL moved to a record of 8-6-7 this season.

Real Salt Lake’s next match is at home against Orlando City SC on Saturday, July 8 at 7:30 p.m. (MDT). The game will be broadcast on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+ and KSL Sports Zone.

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