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RSL dropped a big result at home with a 2-1 loss against the LA Galaxy in a game that could have seen the home side jump to third place, but ultimately sees them fall in the standings as Zlatan grabbed the game winner and LA clinched their playoff spot.
Real Salt Lake controlled most of the attacking play in the first half, logging nine shots total (two on target) to LA’s three (none on target) while both teams split possession at 50% apiece. RSL showed some promising attacking play as Sam Johnson and Albert Rusnak both had dangerous chances on goal but ultimately couldn’t find the back of the net in the first 45.
The second half started out sketchy as Onuoha failed to clear a ball from the defensive third and Zlatan grabbed it and sent it to an unmarked Antuna in the middle of the box with Rimando off his line. Antuna let a shot rip but luckily Donny Toia was there to save the day and clear the ball off the line, keeping the visitors off the score sheet.
It was negated moments later as Cristian Pavon chased down a ball while Aaron Herrera got tripped up. Pavon dribbled up to the near post and slotted a shot to Rimando’s right, sailing right past him and into the corner to put LA up 1-0 early in the second half.
The Galaxy doubled their lead in the 80th minute when Glad was outrun on the endline by Pavon. Pavon sent the ball into the middle of the box to Zlatan who was able to easily send it past Rimando and into the net with what would ultimately prove to be the game winner.
RSL pulled one back in the 90th minute thanks to a beautiful header from Nedum Onuoha when a ball was sent in after a corner was cleared. Bofo collected the cleared ball and let a long shot fly that found its way to Nedum’s head, who was able to put it in just out of Bingham’s reach, giving RSL some fire heading into stoppage time.
They couldn’t get it done and ended the game 2-1, falling to fifth place, pending the results of San Jose vs Philadelphia and Portland vs New England, both of which could have the potential of jumping ahead of RSL in the standings with wins. Meanwhile, LA secured their playoff spot with this win.