RSL vs. Sporting KC, Man of the Match: David Ochoa

Man of the Match

It’s no secret that Real Salt Lake is looking for their next starting keeper with Nick Rimando retiring in 2019. If the first preseason match is any indication, it looks like it’s a two-way race between Zac MacMath and RSL Homegrown, David Ochoa.

David Ochoa came on in the second half and was zoned in for the full 45 minutes. He was able to make a few saves and took full advantage of his opportunity to set himself apart. That is not taking anything away from MacMath. Sporting KC really did not test him. But when Ochoa was tried, he rose to the occasion and looked as intense as he did in the Monarch’s championship playoff run last year.

For that reason, David Ochoa stood out in what was otherwise a pretty uneventful game. Let’s see if he keeps it up in the rest of RSL’s preseason matches.

Honorable Mentions

Chris Garcia only got about 10 to 15 minutes of playing time, but he stuck out for changing the tone of the game for RSL and made some really visionary runs and passes that may very well have led to a goal if RSL was a bit more alert.

Justen Glad played out of his normal position and featured at right back. In and of itself, that is bit strange, but he looked pretty good if we are being honest.

Nedum Onuoha was authoritative at center back making some pretty solid tackles. He wasn’t afraid to dig in even though it was a preseason outing.

Giuseppe Rossi didn’t play, sure. But he is still training with RSL and he has everyone wondering if he will ultimately end up with this club or not. He has the coaching staff’s attention and ours.