RSL win first preseason game of 2015 with 1-0 defeat of New England Revolution

The first half was lacking flow for both sides, but Real Salt Lake was able to convert in the 6th minute with a penalty kick by Devon Sandoval on their way to defeating New England Revolution 1-0 in the first match of the Desert Diamond Cup.

John Stertzer drew the penalty and looked like one of the more composed players for Real Salt Lake during his time on the field. New England threatened once or twice with a couple of shots. One of them looked destined for the back of the net but Jeff Attinella came up big to make a nice save and preserve the lead.

Jordan Allen also looked like a player that has been chomping at the bit to prove himself and came up with some nice creative plays that pushed RSL up the field when not much was going well with regards to offensive play.

Elias Vasquez cleaned up many attempts from the Revolution to enter the 18. He looks like he will win the approval of Salt Lake fans sooner than later.

In the second half we saw a bit more fluidity in the attack, especially after RSL made 10 substitutions that included arguably their strongest field players available. Luis Gil had a nice shot and Demar Phillips looked like he is going to get up and down the field with ease this season.

Both Kyle Beckerman and Sebastian Jaime had a couple of nice chances and could have very well put them away with a bit more sharpness. All in all, this was a nice first game to start off the 2015 campaign.