RSL keeps pace without World Cup call-ups, beat Rapids 2-1

Real Salt Lake started the game well and threatened enough to keep Colorado on their heels but were unable to convert. In the 23rd minute, a beautiful build up with the protagonists being Devon Sandoval, Javier Morales, and Joao Plata broke the stalemate with a Plata goal and a classic Plata celebration to accompany it.

RSL kept pushing but the Colorado stinginess did not allow for too much of the ground game that Salt Lake likes to play and there were stretches when the game was not as attractive as we are all used to.

The first half came to an end with RSL maintaining a clean sheet.

In the second half, Real was able to keep pace and Devon Sandoval was able to draw a foul in the box leading to a stutter step PK conversion from Javier Morales in the 51st minute.

RSL got lucky a couple times, in that Colorado had a couple chances that they were in a good position to score but unable to put it in the back of the net.

The luck ran out and Drew Moor headed a ball in off of a free kick in the 83rd. RSL fans collectively got a bit uneasy with visions of Vancouver dancing in their heads. RSL held strong and looked focused to not repeat a last minute loss of points.

Even with Colorado bringing their keeper, Clint Irwin, up on set pieces in hopes of putting one more in. RSL nearly made them pay for that with a third goal, but the game ended 2-1 and RSL kept their undefeated streak alive.