Real Salt Lake knew what was at stake. The players knew. The coaches new.
They knew, and they let it happen.
RSL’s playoff aspirations ended Sunday with a 2-1 loss to the host L.A. Galaxy and Colorado’s 3-1 win over Seattle, the other result in the Western Conference that made the points-per-game math insurmountable for RSL.
One game remains in the regular season for a Salt Lake team that will miss the playoffs for the first time in three years. Real was eliminated in the West semifinals in 2018 and 2019.
RSL conceded the first goal in the 18th minute to Giancarlo González when he scored a header on a set piece. It was the 13th time this season Salt Lake gave up the first goal to an opponent.
Cristian Pavón ran past three RSL defenders and provided a finish in the 65th, giving the Galaxy a 2-0 lead.
Salt Lake cut its deficit in half in the 78th minute when Douglas Martinez, who had subbed in a few minutes earlier, headed in a goal off Justin Meram’s pass.
RSL almost had a goal earlier in the second when Corey Baird received a long direct pass and attempted to chip of the Galaxy’s goalkeeper. He was successful, but as a the ball bounced toward the goal, it was athletically cleared off the line by Gonzalez.
RSL will face Sporting Kansas City, which has already clinched a playoff spot, at home next Sunday.
This story will be updated.
from The Salt Lake Tribune https://ift.tt/3kPvlDQ
November 02, 2020 at 11:35AM
0 Comments