Real Salt Lake 0 vs 0 Seattle Sounders FC
April 29, 2023; America First Field; Sandy, Utah
Real Salt Lake (3-5-1, 10 points); Seattle Sounders (6-2-2, 20 points)
Man of the Match: **Justen Glad** put in a solid effort in the back line, helping the Claret-and Cobalt to a goalless draw against Seattle Sounders FC. The Homegrown standout’s leadership shined bright as the RSL defense made it very difficult for Seattle to get any real chance on goal. His performance was integral in recording the Club’s first shutout of the season, limiting Seattle’s potent attack which had already scored 17 goals this season.
Telling Stats: With the result, Real Salt Lake extends its unbeaten run at home against Seattle, having not lost against the Sounders in Utah since 2011. The shutout was also the first this season, coming in the ninth match of the year. Additionally, Frenchman rookie Bertin Jacquesson came on in the 56th minute, becoming the sixth player to make his debut for RSL in the young season.
What You Missed: Both teams came into the match on the back of thrilling extra-time wins in the U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday, but neither team looked sluggish to begin the match. Both sides controlled periods of the game in the first half, exchanging blows in search of a game-opening goal. Goalkeeper **Zac MacMath** made an impressive diving save in the 21st minute, a save that proved to be game saving. RSL’s best look of the night came off the foot of **Andrés Gómez** in the 30th, which Stefan Frei deflected and pushed over the bar. Just before the half, Rubio Rubín took a chance on net, forcing Frei into a diving save. The second half was hotly contested and several yellow cards were issued to both sides. Despite an all-out effort, neither team could breakthrough and the night ended with Seattle and Real Salt Lake splitting the points.
What’s Next?: RSL begins a busy week on Saturday, May 6 at 6:30 pm M.T. with a regular-season matchup against Houston Dynamo FC at Shell Energy Stadium, before heading to historic Providence Park to take on Portland Timbers in Round of 32 in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday, May 10 at 8:30 pm M.T. The squad will then return home to America First Field to take on LAFC on Saturday, May 13 at 7:30 pm M.T. to conclude the three-match week.
