Real Salt Lake Left Bewildered Following Scoreless Draw Against FC Dallas
Oct 24, 2020, 10:07 PM
Photo courtesy: Real Salt Lake
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Real Salt Lake surrendered a splendid opportunity to pick up three points following a nil-nil draw against FC Dallas. RSL created 24 shots to FC Dallas 8.
Massive Match Late In The Year
It was a very important match for RSL as they sat three points behind FC Dallas in the Western Conference standings and one spot shy of being included in the playoff picture.
RSL began the fixture in their traditional 4-2-3-1 formation, welcoming Albert Rusnak back to the starting XI as he returns from international duty.
Albert's back#RSL pic.twitter.com/5I2JizRwCT
— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) October 25, 2020
Strong First Half From The Hosts
The first half belonged to the hosts, as RSL managed 18 shots in just the first half alone. They were peppering the FC Dallas with a barrage of attacks that included long-distance shots as well as utilizing both wings to best try and get in and behind the Dallas backline.
The moment of the half belonged to Pablo Ruiz who continues to impress with every minute that he plays. In the 34th minute, Ruiz found himself with the ball at the top of the box and with one short step hit the ball with his laces only for the crossbar to deny him one of the goals of the season.
As much as RSL controlled the first 45 minutes of play, their dominance only resulted in three shots on target and very few saves for FC Dallas goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer to make.
“My guys are not quitters…we did everything we needed to do to win the game but we just could not find a way to score,” Manager Freddy Juarez said during his post-game press conference.
Slow Second Half Start
The second half began with a strange feel to the contest. RSL came out of the locker room with very little energy and was fortunate not to concede early in the second-half following a number of very sloppy turnovers.
However, once Justin Meram replaced Douglas Martinez in the 69th minute, RSL found a spark.
Meram replaces Dougie
— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) October 25, 2020
Damir Kreilach was the second player for RSL to be denied by the woodwork after his curling effort in the 77th minute ricocheted off the right post to deny the Croate his ninth goal of the season.
As the game continued, RSL threw more and more players forward. The hosts were desperate to try and pinch a winner understanding entirely the magnitude of the contest.
The Season Is Coming Down To The Wire
Unfortunately, RSL would ultimately run out of time as the whistle blew with the game still tied 0-0. It was an opportunity for RSL to secure a much needed three points on home soil, the disappointment on the players faces as they departed the pitch said it all.
An incredibly frustrating result pic.twitter.com/A036f62frr
— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) October 25, 2020
“The players are disappointed but we are on the right track, we created a number of chances and I am proud of the guys tonight,” Juarez said.
RSL still sits outside of the playoff picture and remain in ninth position in the Western Conference with two away games and one home match remaining in 2020.
Next Match
RSL will travel to San Jose to take on an in-form Earthquakes team that is climbing the Western Conference.
San Jose is coming off their first loss in six matches after suffering a 2-1 defeat on the road against Vancouver Whitecaps.
Kickoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 28th.
You can watch the match for free on sports.ksl.com or by downloading the KSL TV app.
