Hackett: RSL Were Deserving Of More Than A Point In First Home Outing Against Red Bulls

SANDY, Utah – Real Salt Lake, under new manager Freddy Juarez, graced the grass of Rio Tinto Stadium for the first time in 2020 after they shared the points with the New York Red Bulls. Juarez has not shied away from making changes to the lineup early in his managerial career following the benching of Justen Glad. Everton Luiz returned to the starting XI after serving his suspension against Orlando in week one and consequently, Justin Portillo was relocated to the bench, Juarez gave Nick Besler the nod while Justen Meram also got his first start in the Claret and Cobalt.

Much like in week 1, Real Salt Lake got off to a slow start. The tempo of the first 10 minutes of the match was controlled by the Red Bulls before RSL found their feet.

The first chance of the match came from a corner kick in which Damir Kreilach nearly found the inside of the right post.

Knocking on the door early!! pic.twitter.com/LD94cHiVtS

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) March 7, 2020

However, Cristian Casseres Jr. found a pocket of space in the 13th minute and capitalized. The Red Bulls playmaker struck the ball with his laces and tucked the ball into the bottom right hand corner, beating Zac MacMath and giving the hosts an early lead.

Real Salt Lake seemed poised, despite being a goal down, and continued to dominate the chances of the first half.

49' – More goal line heroics from the visitors keep Onuoha off the board.#RSL 0 – 1 #RBNY#RSLvRBNY #DaleRSL pic.twitter.com/eGKn2t9iQ4

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) March 7, 2020

How RSL went into the break down a goal is still a mystery.

77' – Something's gotta give, but at the moment the Red Bulls' defense is holding firm.#RSL 0 – 1 #RBNY#RSLvRBNY #DaleRSL pic.twitter.com/iaUJrz0gx5

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) March 7, 2020

The same can be said for the second half.

In 2017 and 2018, opposing teams have come to Rio Tinto Stadium just hoping for a point. When they find themselves up a goal, whether that goal comes early or late, it is almost imminent that they will defend much deeper. They bunker down, allow RSL to control the ball and dare RSL to beat them. That tactic has worked well for opposing teams, but not this time.
Regardless, Douglas Martinez, who joined the match midway through the second half for the struggling Nick Besler, thought he scored just minutes after being on the pitch, only for the goal to be overturned due to a handball. Martinez looked like the number nine RSL has been searching for.

After multiple chances and countless opportunities in the air, the ball finally found the back of the onion bag for RSL after Damir Kreilach “soared like a salmon” as Brian Dunseth says.

This one counts! ✔️

Damir Kreilach ties it up for @realsaltlake. #RSLvRBNY pic.twitter.com/mfbFqiub3L

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 7, 2020

Deserved More, Settled For A Point

RSL was able to pinch a point at home. That is all that matters. They were unfortunate not to run away with all three, however. Despite the frustration, things are looking good for RSL as they start in 2020. Two draws from two matches. Week 2 was far more impressive than week 1, which tells us that Freddy Juarez and the club are moving in the right direction. They seem comfortable on the ball and look poised to control the match. Much like we saw under Juarez during the final 15 matches of 2019 when he took over as interim.

Justin Meram and Corey Baird were attacking the Red Bull’s fullbacks all afternoon, which is what you want to see. Attackers need to attack.
Finally, despite only playing minimal minutes in the second half, the addition of Douglas Martinez changed the game for RSL. Hopefully, Martinez gets the start next week and can once again prove his worth on the big stage. RSL needs a striker, a striker that they can rely on and trust. Martinez may be that player.