This Day in RSL History, Oct. 23: Oh so close to the Supporters’ Shield

Today we look back at some events in RSL, Utah Royals and Real Monarchs History.

Do you remember any of these events?

October 23rd

• 2010: COL vs RSL - The final deciding game for the Rocky Mountain Cup, whoever won this game would win the cup, a tie would see RSL retain it as last year’s winner; so the stage was set for a barn-burner. The Rapids would open the scoring in the 16th minute, and double the lead in the 50th sending the home fans into ecstasy as it looked that they would win the cup. Then the Colorado keeper fell asleep. In the 89th minute Matt Pickens received a back-pass, and while stalling for time allowed Alvaro Saborio to apply pressure and score. A PK in the 93rd minute would ensure the cup remained in Utah.

• 2012: RSL vs Heridano - It took some supernatural efforts from the Costa Rican goalkeeper to keep RSL off the board. It was a must-win game for the home team, but the scoreless draw prevented RSL from advancing out of their Champions League group.

• 2013: RSL vs CHV - With a win RSL would claim the Supporters Shield if the Timbers lost or tied their last match, so the pressure was on. A PK gave RSL the lead, and Joao Plata would double it three minutes later. Chivas would pull one back, but the damage had been done. Sadly for RSL Portland would win the shield by one point.

• 2016: SEA vs RSL - Real Salt Lake was mired in a scoring slump (sound familiar?) when they traveled to face Seattle Sounders for the final match of the season. The Sounders were playing to better their playoff position, while the visitors could also sneak into one of the few remaining berths. The Sounders struck first, but Luke Mulholland equalized a minute later. Seattle would go up for good in the 31st minute to secure 4th place, leaving RSL with the final spot. The Sounders would go on to win the MLS Cup vs Toronto FC.
• 2019: SEA 2-0 RSL - Both teams were riding high after their initial MLS playoff wins, RSL had knocked the Timbers out with a last minute goal (see above 10/19), and were hoping for a 3rd run at the cup. Both teams came out fighting, but the home team proved stronger. Nick Rimando made 7 saves in what would be the last game of his career, but the Sounders put two in the net and moved on to eventually get their 2nd MLS Cup.