Real Salt Lake 2 vs. Houston Dynamo FC 1
August 18, 2021; Rio Tinto Stadium, Sandy, Utah
Real Salt Lake (7-6-6, 27 points); Houston Dynamo FC (3-8-9, 18 points)
Man of the Match: In his third start for Real Salt Lake, defender Toni Datkovic made three crucial interceptions in Houston’s final third to prevent a scoring opportunity for the Dynamo. He also added four clearances to his defensive effort, blocking out several chances at goal.
Telling Stat: After two consecutive draws between RSL and Houston, Salt Lake broke through in the final minutes to find victory and claim all three points. RSL limited Houston to just one shot on goal for the second-consecutive time, matching a season-low.
What You Missed: Real Salt Lake got off to a quick start with Justin Meram’s first goal of the season, assisted by Bobby Wood. But it was Anderson Julio who proved the hero, grinding out a scrappy goal in the 88th minute to claim the win. Julio’s goal was his fourth of the year, tying Albert Rusnak for the third-most on the team, his goal was assisted by Rubio Rubin and Donny Toia, good for their fourth and second of the season, respectively.
What’s Next: Real Salt Lake takes to the road to face Colorado Rapids in the second of three matches for the Rocky Mountain Cup on Saturday, August 21 at 7:00 p.m. MT. After previously defeating the Rapids 3-0 at Rio Tinto Stadium, RSL can recapture the trophy, which Colorado won last year, with a win on Saturday at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
