10-man RSL drops 2-1 to Vancouver Whitecaps in poor result

Real Salt Lake took a strong first half and turned it completely upside down, finishing with a one-goal deficit to Vancouver Whitecaps — while also having a one-player deficit.

The second half was not kind to Real Salt Lake, with Vancouver going up 1-0 in the 53rd minute on a moment of very poor defensive play all around. David Milinkovic scored the goal for Vancouver, beating Marcelo Silva to a ball and finishing at RSL goalkeeper Andrew Putna’s near post.

RSL’s odds on the night went from good to bad in short order in the second half when Kyle Beckerman was sent off for a second yellow in the 63rd minute. The second yellow was shown after video replay, with Beckerman catching the top of Vancouver goalkeeper Thomas Hasal’s head after he dropped the ball on a set piece.

Justin Meram leveled the score in the 82nd minute, giving the 10-man RSL a lifeline when it seemed all hope was lost. His header at the far post came from a stunning cross from Maikel Chang, who has continued to have a very good year on the right flank.

Vancouver went up 2-1, with Lucas Cavallini scoring in the 85th minute with a smart run down the middle of the pitch that found RSL naive in defense. Nedum Onuoha and Marcelo Silva were both too loose on Cavallini, and he finished a low cross quite easily.