HOUSTON – (Saturday, July 31, 2021) – Real Salt Lake (5-4-6, 21 points) played to a scoreless draw against Houston Dynamo FC on Saturday night at BBVA Stadium in Houston, Texas. Goalkeeper Zac MacMath made four saves for the fourth shutout of the year for RSL, who moved to 2-2-2 on the road this season.
For Freddy Juarez’s postgame video, click here.
For Ashtone Morgan’s postgame video, click here.
For Zac MacMath’s postgame video, click here.
In the first half, RSL put four shots on goal to Houston’s two while controlling 55% of the possession. Maikel Chang’s left-footed shot in the 11th minute was met with a diving save from Houston goalkeeper Marko Maric that pushed the ball off the post. Damir Kreilach was first to the rebound, but his putback header was saved again by Maric. Albert Rusnák and Justin Meram also challenged Maric, forcing the Houston goalkeeper to stretch for saves to keep the match scoreless heading into halftime.
In the second half, a resilient RSL held off a late surge from Houston after defender Justen Glad was sent off with a second yellow card in the 87th minute. MacMath made two late saves to preserve the 0-0 scoreline and earn a road point.
UP NEXT: RSL will continue its three-game road stretch against the LA Galaxy on Wednesday at Dignity Health Sports Park. Kickoff is set for 8:30 p.m. MT.
GOAL SCORING RUNDOWN:
None.
NOTES:
- Zac MacMath made his 150th career MLS appearance in the match.
- Forward Douglas Martinez was unavailable following the conclusion of the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. Honduras went 1-2-0 in the Group Stage. He will be available upon his return.
- Goalkeeper David Ochoa and defenders Toni Datković, Andrew Brody and Zack Farnsworth were unavailable due to injury.
- Former Real Salt Lake and RSL Academy forward Corey Baird made his Houston Dynamo FC debut after coming over in a trade from LAFC earlier this week.
- Real Salt Lake started two Homegrown player from the RSL Academy and two players formerly signed with the Real Monarchs in the USL Championship. Additionally, two RSL Academy products and two former Monarchs were on the bench for Head Coach Freddy Juarez.
Match: Real Salt Lake at Houston Dynamo FC
Date: July 31, 2021
Venue: BBVA Stadium, Houston, Texas
Attendance:
Weather: Partly cloudy and 88
Scoring Summary: 1 2 F
Real Salt Lake 0 0 0
Houston 0 0 0
None.
Lineups:
Real Salt Lake (4-2-3-1): Zac MacMath; Aaron Herrera, Justen Glad, Marcelo Silva, Ashtone Morgan; Nick Besler, Damir Kreilach (Erik Holt 90’+2); Maikel Chang (Jonathan Menendez 64’), Albert Rusnák (Everton Luiz 90’+2), Justin Meram (Anderson Julio 74’); Bobby Wood (Rubio Rubin 74’).
Subs not used: Andrew Putna, Donny Toia, Justin Portillo, Pablo Ruiz.
Houston Dynamo FC (4-2-3-1): Marko Maric; Zarek Valentin, Tim Parker, Teenage Hadebe, Sam Junqua; Darwin Ceren, Matias Vera; Griffin Dorsey (Derrick Jones 84’), Joe Corona, Memo Rodriguez (Corey Baird 62’); Mateo Bajamich (Tyler Pasher 62’).
Subs not used: Michael Nelson, Adam Lundqvist, Alejandro Fuenmayor, Maynor Figueroa, Ian Hoffman, Boniek Garcia.
Stats Summary: RSL / HOU
Shots: 11 / 15
Shots on Goal: 4 / 4
Saves: 4 / 4
Corner Kicks: 4 / 9
Fouls: 12 / 10
Offside: 1 / 2
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY:
RSL: Justen Glad (caution) 40’
RSL: Justen Glad (second caution/ejection) 87’
RSL: Erik Holt (caution) 90’+2
OFFICIALS:
Referee: Guido Gonzalez, Jr.
Assistant Referees: Nick Uranga, Jeff Hosking
4th Official: Kevin Broadley
VAR: Sorin Stoica
AVAR: Jonathan Johnson
