RSL fall 1-0 to the Colorado Rapids

Real Salt Lake conceded in the 3rd minute when an Alan Gordon assist split the backline and Josh Gatt was able to slot the ball past Rimando. The Rapids lead 1-0.

In the 24th minute, Dominique Badji is issued a yellow card after a hard challenge on Tony Beltran that takes Beltran off the field. Badji made no attempt to play the ball as he crashed into Tony. Demar Phillips is subbed on in place of an injured Beltran.

Real went on to prove the stronger attacking side in the second half in all the stats but goals, with 16 total shots, 4 of which were on target. Howard came up with some big saves that allowed the Rapids to keep their lead.

There were three good chances within just a few minutes of one another starting in the 62nd minute. Rusnak took a powerful shot from distances that Howard is forced to send to his right and RSL recycled the ball. Lennon was able to send an excellently weighted ball in for Silva, but the Rapids defense pokes it away for an RSL corner. On the corner, Beckerman heads the ball down hard, but it bounces over the bar. Colorado still lead 1-0.

In the final third, RSL relied heavily on crosses, 50 total in the game. This proved ineffective as Howard and the other defenders were able to knock many of them away.

Just like in the first half, RSL dominated possession and shots (14 shots, 3 on target), but the Rapids defense were able to keep a clean sheet. Real had a number of great chances, but ultimately couldn’t convert and Colorado win the game 1-0. Real isn’t dead in the water in the playoff race, but their chance to make the post-season just became a lot harder.