Pablo Ruiz Converts PK To Give RSL The Lead At Colorado
Apr 2, 2022, 8:07 PM
Pablo Ruiz scores the equalizer against Seattle Sounders with remarkable long range shot. (Photo courtesy of Real Salt Lake)
(Photo courtesy of Real Salt Lake)
SALT LAKE CITY – Real Salt Lake midfielder Pablo Ruiz gave RSL the lead late in the first half after converting a penalty kick against the Colorado Rapids.
Justin Meram tried to attack Colorado when he was tripped up in the box, which led to the referee granting a penalty kick to RSL. In the 45th minute, Ruiz fired the PK to his left, while the goalkeeper guessed his left. It’s the second career goal of Ruiz’s MLS career.
That gave RSL a 1-0 lead over their Rocky Mountain rival heading into the halftime break.
Scoring here is our favorite thing lol pic.twitter.com/AjeNfn40Ht
— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) April 3, 2022
Last week’s loss was the first of the season for Real Salt Lake who suffered a 1-0 defeat to Johnny Russell and SKC at Children’s Mercy Park. This weekend’s fixture against Colorado will be the first time this season that Real Salt Lake has played consecutive road matches.
Real Salt Lake’s injury concerns have worsened following last weekend’s loss to SKC. Manager Pablo Mastroeni and the club currently have nine players listed as ‘out’ and two more are listed as ‘questionable.’
The injury list includes; David Ochoa (right quad), Aaron Herrera (left calf), Zack Farnsworth (right ankle), Bret Halsey (ankle), Justen Glad (hamstring), Erik Holt (left foot), Johan Kappelhof (left calf), Jonathan Menendez (adductor), and Bobby Wood (hamstring). While Jasper Löffelsend (hamstring), and Nick Besler (nose) are listed as questionable.
Due to the long list of injured players, Real Salt Lake was granted an ‘Extreme Hardship Waiver’ by Major League Soccer. Allowing defender Bobby Pierre and midfielder Pierre Reedy to be called into the first team from the Real Monarchs.
MLS “Extreme Hardship” rules dictate that once a team has fewer than 16 outfield players available, temporary solutions can be found.
The match between Real Salt Lake and the Colorado Rapid can be seen on sports.ksl.com, the KSL Sports app or the KSL TV app.
