ATX 2 - 2 RSL
- Crooks nets third of the season
- Gonçalves scores in consecutive games
- Glad makes RSL MLS appearance milestone
Story of the Game: Pablo’s Men Held to Frustrating Draw
Real Salt Lake endured the disappointment of a two-goal capitulation, for a second game running, in a difficult, frustrating 2-2 draw away to Austin FC at the Q2 Stadium on Saturday night.
Early second-half goals from midfielders Matt Crooks and Diogo Gonçalves looked to have settled the contest and put the visitors well on the way to a routine victory, but a late fightback from the hosts, with two goals in the final 10 minutes of normal time, forced a share of the spoils in Central Texas with RSL now dropping points in successive weekend games.
Crooks, Gonçalves Continue Encouraging Forms
Despite a frustrating 90-minute scoreline, RSL’s attacking midfield tandem of Matt Crooks and Diogo Gonçalves proved the goalscoring heroes and thus, two of the biggest performers, for the Claret-and-Cobalt in an entertaining contest in Central Texas.
With the game still evenly poised at the start of the second half, the pair delivered pivotal, crucial strikes 20 minutes of each other as the visitors threatened to run away with the contest before the hosts’ late final 10-minute surge.
Midfielder Crooks was handed a third consecutive start, as reward for his recent fine form, and duly impressed with yet another efficient, dedicated showing, justly evidenced by his goal only three minutes after the restart.
The 30-year-old provided a strong presence in both defense and attack, tracking back defensively during rearguard situations, most evidenced by his crucial interception on a Jon Gallagher pass inside his own penalty box as early as the 10th minute. In attack, RSL’s number 25 also provided a necessary presence, often dripping into deeper areas to provide an option during build-up, as well as with his runs and movement into and across the channels to combine and create space for teammates by pulling opposition defenders away.
For his dedication, his reward arrived only minutes after halftime, and in deserving fashion. A lofted ball from Braian Ojeda found teammate Chicho Arango at the far post who chested the ball down with his first touch and stung the gloves of Brad Stuver with his second only for the rebound to fall into the path of Crooks with time and space for a simple first time finish into an empty net to establish a Claret-and-Cobalt lead.
Throughout his time on the pitch the English midfielder played a total of 40 successful passes - the third-most of any RSL player out at any time on the pitch, and with an accuracy of 95.2 percent, giving him the joint-highest passing accuracy - alongside Emeka Eneli - of any player from both teams on the pitch for half an hour or more. The former Middlesbrough man also recorded a total of three key passes, the joint-second most of any player from both teams out on the pitch, to go with his one shot, one shot on target, and goal. A thoroughly impressive performance.
His goal also now takes him up to three goals and five assists in his debut season in American football for Real Salt Lake. Settling in nicely.
New signing Gonçalves was RSL’s second goalscorer on the night, with a crucial second strike, and his second in successive games following on from his goal last weekend against Portland Timbers.
In the 62nd minute, Austin midfielder Owen Wolff was adjudged to have handled the ball inside his own penalty area presenting an opportunity to the visitors. With Chicho having already been substituted, the responsibility from the spot fell towards RSL’s new designated player, and the 27-year-old made no mistake, placing a low, right-footed effort into the bottom right corner and sending Stuver the wrong way in the process.
Despite coming on as a second-half substitute and having only half an hour on the pitch, RSL’s Portuguese magnifico recorded a total of 14 successful passes, two crosses, and three key passes, the joint-second most, alongside Crooks, of any player from both teams on the pitch. An encouraging cameo.
Glad Reaches Milestone Appearance
The game also represented a celebratory occasion for RSL homegrown defender Justen Glad who made his record-breaking 231st MLS career appearance for the Claret-and-Cobalt, the third-highest in the Club’s 20-year history and now overtaking legends such as Tony Beltran and Chris Wingert. Former goalkeeper Nick Rimando and Legendary captain Kyle Beckerman now stand as the only players in RSL history with more MLS appearances than Glad - in good company.
What Comes Next/The Bigger Picture
With an MLS post-season position already secured, Pablo and the boys will be looking to get into a good run of form and gain some momentum ahead of the commencement of playoffs.
RSL return to America First Field for a home date with Minnesota United on Wednesday, Oct. 2, for the first of its final three regular season games. Kickoff for this contest is slated for 7:30 p.m.
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