Real Salt Lake 1 vs. Colorado Rapids 1
April 2, 2022, Dick’s Sporting Goods Park
Real Salt Lake (3-1-2, 11 points); Colorado Rapids (2-2-2, 8 points)
Man of the Match: With multiple injuries to Real Salt Lake’s backline, defender Andrew Brody shored up the defense, making multiple stops in crucial moments to hold the Rapids to one goal. Brody’s nine interceptions were more than double any other player on the team, making key plays in key moments to help secure a point on the road in leg one of the Rocky Mountain Cup.
Telling Stat: Defender Jaziel Orozco started in place of the injured Justen Glad and Erik Holt, making his first career MLS start. Orozco is the youngest player for Real Salt Lake to ever start an MLS match at 17 years and 10 months, only five days younger than the former youngest signing in MLS history Freddy Adu, who made his first start for the Club at 17 years, 10 Months, and five days. Orozco led the team in clearances with four, including one in the final minutes on what could have very well been the game-winner for the Rapids.
What You Missed: Real Salt Lake earned a point on the road in the first leg of the Rocky Mountain Cup with a 1-1 draw against the Colorado Rapids. Midfielder Pablo Ruiz netted his first goal of the 2022 season, and just his second for RSL. Meanwhile, extreme hardship signing Pierre Reedy made his MLS debut as the 185th player to appear for the Claret-and-Cobalt in its 18-year history. Additionally, forward Justin Meram and defender Jaziel Orozco achieved milestones tonight as Meram surpassed 300 career MLS appearances, and Orozco made his first career MLS start.
What’s Next: Real Salt Lake return to the RioT next Saturday, April 9 at 6:00 p.m. MT as they take on its second Eastern Conference opponent of the 2022 season, Toronto FC. The East Side University Of Utah Health Plaza at Rio Tinto Stadium opens at 4:00 p.m. MT, with gates opening at 4:30 p.m. MT. Tickets are available at www.RSL.com/tickets.
