RSL capitulates to Rapids, draw 2-2 on late goal

Real Salt Lake went from a dominant force to a sluggish draw against Colorado Rapids in a match whose outcome was convoluted by an hour-long weather delay.

After an early 2-0 lead, RSL capitulated late for a 2-2 draw.

RSL took an early lead, with Damir Kreilach scoring in the 11th minute past Rapids goalkeeper Tim Howard with a perfectly placed header. Joao Plata earned the assist on the goal, lofting a cross in for the Croat, who found himself between defenders without too much trouble.

Plata continued his excellent run of form, scoring the second goal following a nice run through the middle, with Jefferson Savarino providing the assist. Savarino’s run near the edge of the box proved decisive, as he skipped past Edgar Castillo to the endline before sending in a low cross.

It all seemed to be going to plan: RSL continued attacking without too much trouble, and Colorado offered little in the way of a riposte. But the 23rd minute came, and the weather worsened; a lightning delay claimed about an hour of the night before play resumed.

The 32nd minute saw referee Baldomero Toledo consult with his video assistant, awarding Colorado a penalty for something or other in the box. Jack McBean beat Nick Rimando from the spot with a stutter-step penalty, bringing the game to a 2-1 RSL advantage.

Then, late in the second half — 88 minutes or thereabouts — Colorado scored an equalizing goal. It was the sort of thing that had been coming for the majority of the match.

It was a poor showing for RSL, who should have been the victor without issue, but whose own faults cost them a vital win.