Sergio Cordova Header Gives RSL Lead Over SKC Early In Second Half

SANDY, Utah – Real Salt Lake forward Sergio Cordova gave RSL a 1-0 lead with a header early in the second half against rival Sporting Kansas City.

In the 50th minute, RSL midfielder Mikael Chang played the ball outside to Andrew Brody, who serviced the ball into the box to Sergio Cordova. Cordova had plenty of space in the box to get his head on the ball, which went past the Sporting Kansas City goalkeeper and into the back of the net.

That goal gave RSL a 1-0 lead and Cordova’s fourth goal of the season. He is now the team leader in goals scored, breaking a tie with Justen Glad, Justin Meram, Jefferson Savarino and Bobby Wood with three goals.

We really love scoring on those guys from KC. pic.twitter.com/OKWAgKIOHE

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) July 18, 2022

The stakes continue to rise and the pressure continues to mount on Real Salt Lake as they pursue their first victory since May 28.

RSL is trending in the wrong direction. Sporting Kansas City, on the other hand, is beginning to climb the Western Conference standings following a road victory against Montreal and a point on the road against Minnesota.

However, Sporting Kansas City still has a long way to climb. They currently sit in the last place in the West having managed to pick up just 20 points in 21 matches so far in 2022. In contrast, Real Salt Lake is in fourth place in the West on 30 points through 20 games.

Unfortunately, the fixture against Sporting Kansas City will mark the third game in a week for Real Salt Lake following a disapointing 2-2 draw at home against Colorado before a midweek loss on the road against Atlanta United.

Manager Pablo Mastroeni is short on players. Injuries to Bobby Wood and Damir Kreilach will keep two of the leaders sidelined against Sporting Kansas City while Jefferson Savarino, Justen Glad will enter the Sunday clash listed as questionable. Both players have been dealing with soft tissue muscle injuries.

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