Real Salt Lake 4 vs FC Tucson 0 (45 minutes)
February 20, 2016; Kino Sports Complex
2016 Preseason
Man of the Match: Joao Plata scored a hat trick in the first 25 minutes of a 45-minute scrimmage and assisted on the fourth goal in a stellar performance against the PDL club. While the competition may not be as great as what RSL will face against the Liga MX champion Tigres, it was a good display of the offensive sequences and patterns that can find success for the Claret-and-Cobalt. Building on that against any level of competition is a good exercise and finding success at the level that Plata did was just what the club has been waiting for this preseason.
Telling Stat: 7. In two matches, totaling 135 minutes on Wednesday and Saturday, RSL’s top group netted seven goals. After posting three goals – all while down a man – against the New England Revolution on Wednesday, the offense is clicking for RSL and so much of that comes from solid defensive shape. All encouraging things if Salt Lake can maintain those principles for 90 minutes and beyond.
What You Missed: The game was split into two halves and Yura Movsisyan sat out the second half of the match after some hamstring tightness late in the first half. It was hardly a major concern, just a precaution as the striker had his focus on Wednesday’s match against Tigres.
So What: It was the last run out for Real Salt Lake’s presumed starters as they get ready to face Tigres in the Quarterfinal Round of the CONCACAF Champions League. In getting the offense into a strong rhythm, it can only help the confidence of the team as it springs headlong into the most important games it will play this season. With a berth in the FIFA Club World Cup on the line and a chance at history, the time is now for Real Salt Lake to be at its best.
