Real Salt Lake 2 vs. Los Angeles FC 3
September 12, 2021; Banc of California Stadium
Real Salt Lake (8-9-6, 30 points); LAFC (8-9-6, 30 points)
Man of the Match: Midfielder and captain Albert Rusnak proved to be the linchpin for Real Salt Lake, as the point through which nearly everything flowed. Rusnak led the team in passes, successful passes and touches, while also creating a team-leading five goal scoring opportunities. Additionally, his assist on Anderson Julio’s goal marked his sixth of the season, the second-most on the team.
Telling Stat: Tonight was only the second time in Club history during the regular season that RSL was able to find the back of the net against LAFC on two occasions. The only other time was a 3-0 rout of LAFC in early 2020. In every other match against the Western Conference foe, LAFC has limited Real Salt Lake to just one goal, or none at all.
What You Missed: Interim Head Coach Pablo Mastroeni rolled out a new formation, going with a 3-5-2, anchored by Justen Glad, Erik Holt and Toni Datkovic in the back. Damir Kreilach scored his ninth goal of the season, assisted by Maikel Chang. Meanwhile Anderson Julio and Albert Rusnak added to their season totals for their sixth goal and sixth assist of the year, respectively.
What’s Next: RSL continues its two-game road stretch in California against San Jose Earthquakes on Wednesday, September 15 at 8:30 p.m. MT. On Saturday the team returns home to Rio Tinto Stadium where they will host the Western Conference leading Seattle Sounders.
