RSL return to winning ways with penalties, victory over Revolution

Real Salt Lake managed a victory for the first time in over a month (of course, that may have something to do with a World Cup of some sort), beating New England Revolution, 2-1.

The manner of win was a little unusual, with both RSL goals coming from the penalty spot. The Revs scored from a set piece in the first half to equalize, which really isn't all that unusual.

The story was written from the get-go, though, with Kyle Beckerman and Nick Rimando starting the match only a day after their return from World Cup duty with the United States.

The first penalty call came during the first half as a number of players came together during a corner. Javier Morales calmly dispatched the penalty with the typical stutter-step runup, fooling the woeful Bobby Shuttleworth in direction and speed.

Darius Barnes scored New England's goal with a header on a smart late run that was left unmarked. It was typical set piece stuff from the home side, which is somewhat disconcerting.

Joao Plata, who threatened throughout, scored the second -- and game-winning -- penalty after John Stertzer was fouled in the area. It was as calm and collected as ever, which comes as little surprise.

Notably, John Stertzer started the match and performed quite well, showing a calm approach and creative mindset that he hadn't demonstrated in previous outings.

Luis Gil, too, started and was everywhere -- a true box-to-box midfield performance if there was one.

And the match, of course, was punctuated by the brilliance of the indomitable Kyle Beckerman, whose man-of-the-match performance was deserved.