Six losers, one winner from RSL’s 6-1 loss to Portland Timbers

Loser: Erik Holt

We cannot start Holt again and expect to win a match.

Loser: Toni Datkovic

Toni Datkovic was instrumental in Portland getting two first-half goals, and he was rightly substituted at halftime. He was out-jumped for Portland’s second goal, and he was the insufficient in marking the attacking player on Portland’s first. It was a very poor performance, and his substitution was justified.

Loser: Everton Luiz

2021 has seen Everton Luiz chasing shadows near-constantly. This match was no different, and he was specifically one of multiple players at fault for at least two of the goals given up by Real Salt Lake. It’s a shame, because he was such a great, reliable player when he was at his peak with us.

Loser: Pablo Ruiz

After a near-faultless performance against Seattle, Pablo Ruiz had a performance closer to what we’ve seen in 2021: He was absent in defensive positions, he tried overly optimistic shots with no chance of success, and was generally not showing the tactical chops he showed last match.

Loser: Justen Glad

You can’t give up six goals as a center back and not end up in this column, although I don’t think Glad was particularly to blame for much of the defensive collapse.

Winner: Albert Rusnak

I thought he was pretty good. You can’t really blame him for the collapse.

Loser: Justin Meram

Justin Meram is not a wing back, full stop. Once RSL went to a more standard 4-2-3-1, he wasn’t involved. There’s not much more to say than that.