RSL draws in Dallas, 0-0

Real Salt Lake drew 0-0 in Dallas, putting in a hard-fought — if slow — performance against FC Dallas.

The match was perhaps highlighted by an externality: RSL coach Mike Petke was handed a suspension before the match started, and that was announced just hours before kickoff.

Corey Baird had the first real opportunity of the second half for Real Salt Lake, smashing a half-volley into desperate FC Dallas goalkeeper Jesse Gonzalez, who saved Baird’s shot with his thigh. It followed an uncharacteristic error from Gonzalez, who pushed a save right to the penalty spot.

Few clear-cut opportunities followed, with both sides largely failing to create some extra magic in a match that sorely needed it. Certainly, that will have benefitted RSL more than FC Dallas, as the club has typically fared extremely poorly in the Frisco stadium.

The first half saw little in the way of clear-cut chances, with the two sides trading shots their respective goalkeepers had few difficulties. It was very much a “July in Dallas” first half, which was perhaps a little more scattered and slower than your average match.

Real Salt Lake was without coach Mike Petke, who has been suspended by Major League Soccer pending an investigation into his conduct following the conclusion of the club’s match against Tigres UANL in the Leagues Cup.

Lineups

Real Salt Lake

Rimando
Herrera, Glad, Silva, Toia
Beckerman, Luiz
Savarino, Kreilach, Saucedo (78’ Lennon)
Baird (87’ Besler)

FC Dallas

Gonzalez
Hollingshead, Ziegler, Hedges, Cannon
Servania (58’ Pomykal), Bryan Acosta
Mosquera (69’ Gyasi), Ferreira, Barrios
Badji (85’ Ondrasek)