Player of the Match: David Ochoa weathers the storm against FC Dallas

At the end of every rainstorm, there is a moment of light. Sometimes, you have to choose to either focus on the rain or remember the ray of light. For me, when considering the literal and proverbial rainstorm that Real Salt Lake experienced away at FC Dallas, the ray of light was Ochoa’s performance.

Yes, he allowed two goals. One of which was his first PK in his short MLS career. The other a deflection off the calf of defender Justen Glad.

He also stood up to fifteen corner kicks, twenty-nine shots, and ten shots on frame in a literal rainstorm. The ball is slippery, the grass is slippery, and it’s a recipe for disaster for even the most skilled goalkeepers. To have the only two goals allowed come off of a PK and a deflection is one of the better outcomes you can hope for.

I mentioned in my Points of Obvious Refinement after the Nashville SC match that Ochoa needed to set a tone before he leaves on international duty. I believe he succeeded in that this evening.

Let’s hope he comes back from his time with the men’s national team and finds another gear.