Real Salt Lake 3 vs. 0 Seattle Sounders
_July 22, 2023; America First Field; Sandy, Utah_
Man of the Match: Rookie defender **Emeka Eneli** was superb on both sides of the pitch against the Sounders. Eneli refused to take a play off and consistently tracked back after joining the attack, covering the length of the pitch multiple times over the course of 90 minutes played. On the defensive side, the breakout rookie prevented Seattle from crossing the ball into the box on the right wing by making excellent blocks and clean tackles. In the final third Eneli was an immense threat to the rearguard of Seattle, while working in tandem with **Jefferson Savarino**, creating spaces of which Real Salt Lake could take advantage. RSL’s closest chance to score in the first half came when Savarino found Eneli cutting into the box, the defender fired an outstanding shot on target but the ‘keeper was able to make an excellent save.
Telling Stats: Winger Savarino became the first Real Salt Lake player to score in all three competitions this year (regular season, Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, Leagues Cup), recording nine goals across all competitions. **Chicho Arango** extended his Club record for most games to start his RSL career with a goal involvement to four matches, with two goals and two assists. The team’s unbeaten run across all competitions now extends to 11 matches (nine MLS, one Open Cup, one Leagues Cup). Another win against Seattle also extends the Club’s unbeaten run against the Sounders across all competitions at home, having not lost since May 2011. Tonight’s win marks the third-consecutive victory at home, the first such streak since May 2022. RSL has outscored its opponents 10-1 in those three home matches.
What You Missed: RSL set the tone in the opening minutes of its inaugural Leagues Cup match, testing longtime foes Seattle Sounders’ backline with a menacing consistency. Seattle ‘keeper Stefan Frei made four saves in the first half, keeping the match tied 0-0 heading into the break. RSL’s offensive prowess paid off at the outset of the second half as Jefferson Savarino tapped in an assist from Chicho, Savarino’s ninth goal this season across all competitions. Three minutes later in the 51st, Chicho put his name on the scorer’s sheet, shielding off his defender and powering a shot into the top of the net from the near post past Frei. Captain **Marcelo Silva** was shown a red card in the 60th minute after a dangerous tackle, reducing the Claret-and-Cobalt down to 10 men with half an hour to play. Head Coach Pablo Mastroeni adjusted his formation and made three substitutes to contain Seattle, preventing them from climbing back into the match. In the 88th minute **Rubio Rubín**, in his first match back after returning from team Guatemala at the Gold Cup, put Seattle to sleep with a clinical finish inside the 18-yard-box, his sixth goal contribution in his last four matches. With three points in hand, RSL leads West Group 2 with a match to go.
What’s Next: Real Salt Lake continues its Leagues Cup journey at America First Field with its second match in Group B against Liga MX side CF Monterrey, on Wednesday, July 26 at 7:30 p.m. MT, with further matches being determined based on results of the group stage matches.
