Player ratings for RSL versus Philadelphia Union

Nick Rimando - 6.5 Nick Rimando came up big a couple of times, but it's hard to give too high of a score when the ball finds the back of the net three times. In fairness, none of these were truly Rimando's fault, but communication is key and everybody should own that, including the keeper.

Demar Phillips - 4 Phillips had a couple of good moments with his ability to turn quickly and get off a precision pass to the box, but he had what everyone was referring to as some uncharacteristically bad touches,, some that went out of bounds and some that allowed a Union breakaway. One of those resulted in a goal and others left RSL with their pants down. If those sort of poor touches are really not him, then we still have a lot to look forward too.

Jamison Olave - 3.5 Olave gave the Union their final goal, plain and simple. He knows it and everybody that was in the stadium knows it. On the other hand, he did give Real Salt Lake a game-tying goal (even though the announcer gave credit to Olmes Garcia.) That is to be commended. On the OTHER hand, he got caught sleeping a couple times when his teammates deflected the ball or let it in a bad area and Philadelphia capitalized. He is the eraser, but a bit more focus could have done him well. I still think the Olave-Schuler combination will be incredible going forward after they clean up their mental errors.

Chris Schuler -4 Schuler had some good step-ins to keep the ball at the feet of RSL, but he also made a few risky step-ins. He tried to clear the ball (I think) on the second Union goal and ended up putting it on a platter for Fernando Aristeguieta to slot it home. There was more sloppy play from Schuler in this game than I can remember in a couple years so let's assume it's a one off.

Tony Beltran - 7.5 Beltran was definitely the most sharp player on defense for Real Salt Lake with solid play and smart passing for the most part. He is adjusting well to his new leadership role with the exit of Grabavoy and Wingert.

Kyle Beckerman - 5.5 Beckerman did not have a bad game, and maybe his deflection was more unfortunate than anything, but it is so rare that Beckerman commits those sorts of errors that it sticks out like a sore thumb when he does. He did have a huge part to play in the 84% passing accuracy that RSL completed by the end of the game, however.

Luis Gil - 5.5 Gil had a good look at goal but slotted it just wide. That was by far his biggest highlight of the game. I get the impression that he is still adjusting to the new formation like many of his teammates.

Javier Morales - 8.5 Morales was the brightest player on the field, hands down. He ended with a goal and an assist and many other key passes in a game that was really bizarre. That goal, by the way, was something to behold. A free kick from just outside the box is fairly challenging but Javi sent a bullet to the top right corner.

Olmes Garcia - 5.5 Garcia did not celebrate after it was announced that he scored, but now we know why. Either way, he was credited with the assist. He put in a long shift and tired the Union defenders, but did not create great scoring chances either.

Sebastian Jaime - 5 Sebastian Jaime very well could have had a goal early in the game. He had a good look at the goal and Rais M'bolhi made a nice save. Beyond that, Jaime was in the attack, but not nearly enough. That said, a relatively quiet game isn't necessarily a bad game.If he can just get that first goal, things will start looking up.

Alvaro Saborio - 7 Sabo was not far off from having a few great chances with headers if the service was just a bit closer. He took a lot of abuse holding up the ball for his club. and he took the game-tying PK with confidence and assured a point at home.

Substitutes

Luke Mulholland - 6 Luke once a gain brought some steadiness to a game that at times looked out of control. He earned a PK for Salt Lake, even though he said himself that it was not a penalty. Either way, the ref had to make a decision when Mulholland was in a dangerous area.

Abdoulie Mansally - 5 Nothiing spectacular out of Mansally, although he did send a couple balls into the box that made Philadelphia nervous.

Jordan Allen - 6 Allen once again came on later in the game with a lot of composure and was unlucky to not score a goal which he took well and headed low. I can see that we will see much more from Allen going forward. I like that he can play various positions. That allows him to be inserted in a lot of situations.