Real Salt Lake Falls To Seattle Despite Improved Second Half Play
Apr 6, 2019, 10:02 PM | Updated: 10:02 pm
Jeff Allred, Deseret News
SEATTLE, Wash. – Real Salt Lake fell on the road to the Seattle Sounders with a 1-0 loss.
Early on, the Sounders looked like the more aggressive squad. RSL conceded three corner kicks within the first 10 minutes to give Seattle plenty of dangerous looks at the frame. Luckily for RSL, the Sounders weren’t able to capitalize on the opportunities at that time.
Unfortunately for RSL, Seattle soon found the back of the net in the 15th minute on a goal by Nico Lodeiro. He was on the receiving end of an outstanding volley by Cristian Roldan and buried a shot near the left post as he was falling away. It was a wicked play by both Sounders players and gave Seattle the advantage early.
😵😵😵
Nico with the FADEAWAY VOLLEY
SEA 1 | RSL 0#SEAvRSL pic.twitter.com/fanWjf5QdX
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) April 7, 2019
Later on, RSL’s Sam Johnson, who was making his first start of the season at striker, had a rocket of a shot to try to equalize the score. The shot however, sailed wide as the Sounders maintained their lead at halftime.
Key takeaways from the first half:
– Sam Johnson belongs
– Lodeiro brilliance is what separates the two
– Savarino must look up when the ball is at his feet. Poor shooting decisions#RSLatSEA#RSLonKSL https://t.co/9sARkd4694— Tom Hackett (@TomCantHackett) April 7, 2019
Still, the chances were coming for RSL as they came back from the halftime break energized and looking to even the score.
Much Improved Second Half
To start the second half, RSL controlled the tempo and pace, looking much improved from the first half.
Jefferson Savarino had a fantastic look at the goal as he entered the box and fired a powerful shot that deflected off the right post. It was the best look of the game for RSL.
However great the opportunities were for RSL in the second half, they couldn’t break through and tie the game as Seattle held on for their fourth win of the season.
With the loss, RSL’s record stands at 1-4-1.
Give RSL some credit though. After the team had been heavily penalized with numerous red cards throughout the early portion of the season, they went without seeing red at all against Seattle.
Next Up
RSL will return home to face Orlando City SC next Saturday at 7 p.m. The game can be streamed live on sports.ksl.com or on the KSL TV app.
