RSL tie first match of 2015 against Portland, 0-0

The first half of the first game of the season for Real Salt Lake was not overly impressive on the offensive side of things. You could tell that the adrenaline of the beginning of the 2015 season was getting the best of both teams as there was a lot of chippy play and long balls back and forth.

There were some risky moments resulting from this rough style of play with a yellow card to both Olmes Garcia and Luis Gil. Portland had the best chances of the first 45 minutes with two shots on goal compared to RSL with three shots but none on goal.

The latter 45 minutes was a bit more fluid for both sides. Portland had a great chance about 10 or 15 minutes in that gave Nick Rimando a chance to show off his catlike reflexes. Salt Lake was able to gather themselves with the substitution of Luke Mulholland which resulted in a couple of their best chances of the night.

Unfortunately for RSL fans, the chances left much to be desired. Jordan Allen made his return to the field after nearly a year out due to injury in the 81st minute, and he seemed remarkably calm considering the circumstances.

In stoppage time Real Salt Lake had to withstand some extreme pressure and chaos for a good stretch but withstood and conserved the tie at 0-0.