RSL’s trip to Dallas leaves them empty-handed, lose 2-0

RSL’s lineup in Dallas was very heavy on what would typically be substitutes or Real Monarchs regulars. They kept up with Dallas for the most part, but in the 18th minute FC Dallas had a quick restart that caught RSL unprepared and it didn’t take long for Acosta to give the home team a lead. For much of the rest of the half, Real Salt Lake prevented anything too dangerous but were continually getting beat by diagonal balls being sent down the right side. Both Luke Mulholland and Omar Holness had decent chances but they were each from about 25 to 35 yards out and ended up just wide of the goal. The half closed 1-0 in favor of Dallas.

The second half started very similar to the first with RSL getting some possession and looking every bit as good as Dallas but once again a quick breakaway from Dallas caught RSL out of position and Fabian Castillo beat Phanuel Kavita to curl the ball to the far post doubling their lead in the 59th. In the 81st minute, Devon Sandoval was fouled on the right flank and Demar Phillips’ eyebrow-raising take from distance was headed for goal but Chris Seitz came up big to prevent RSL from pulling one back. Jeff Attinella made a great save in the 87th minute wit ha headed ball coming quick that he was able to send over the crossbar. He then had to make another save in the 88th minute when RSL started to look fatigued from the heat and humidity. The rest of the game played itself out and while RSL didn’t hang their heads, there was not another goal for either team and RSL lost 2-0 in Texas.