RSL reserves the victor in 1-0 defeat of LA Galaxy

Sebastian Velasquez notched today's lone goal less than 24 hours after nearly scoring for the first team as Real Salt Lake's reserves squad ran out the victors over LA Galaxy today at America First Field.

Velasquez ran the show at the top of the diamond, creating chances and controlling the possession game for RSL throughout. His goal came around the 74th minute when, after breaking into the box, dribbled around the goalkeeper, allowed a defender to run past him, and finished neatly.

RSL academy graduate and national team prospect Jordan Allen entered the match midway through the first half after Rich Balchan went down with a shoulder injury. Balchan, on Twitter, said his shoulder popped out and stayed out twice in the first 10 minutes.

Allen, who played as a right back, was involved in a lot of RSL's best attacks in the second half, beating players on the dribble and almost scoring himself.

Allen's near-goal kicked off a very bright three minute sequence from RSL, with LA Galaxy goalkeeper Brian Perk earning plaudits before Sebastian Velasquez dribbled through the defense and around the goalkeeper to score the lone goal of the night. During the sequence, rookies Devon Sandoval and John Stertzer both burst past the defense and forced Perk into last-ditch saves.

David Viana forced yet more work from Perk late on as he forced his way past LA's weak defense and had two shots saved. Viana, playing up front, didn't find himself regularly in possession of the ball, but whether that's down to his positioning, or whether that's down to distribution is difficult to say. He did, however, look as bright as ever with the ball at his feet.

Yordany Alvarez entered the match late for Devon Sandoval, and Khari Stephenson, who had played in an outside spot, moved up top alongside Viana.

The match was scattered with yellow cards, with Abdoulie Mansally, Velasquez, Viana, and Alvarez being cautioned for tackles.

Statistically, RSL controlled the attacking side of the coin, with 14 shots to LA's meager three. Seven of RSL's shots were on target, while none of LA's shots truly tested former Galaxy 'keeper Josh Saunders.

Despite not being called on to make saves, Saunders organized a young back line well and claimed balls in the air with little trouble. Carlos Salcedo and Aaron Maund, the central partnership, had a fine match in front of Saunders, snuffing out attacks with little trouble.