SANDY, Utah (Saturday, July 1, 2023) – Real Salt Lake (8-7-6, 30 points, 3rd West) defeated Toronto FC at the death behind a stoppage-time goal from second-half substitute **Anderson Julio**. The victory marks RSL’s fourth consecutive road win in MLS play and 10th consecutive road result across all competitions, as well as giving the team its fifth clean sheet of the season.
Looking to match its Club-record sixth road win of the season, Real Salt Lake struggled in the opening minutes against Toronto FC, having to withstand several waves of pressure in the early moments. However, as the first half wore on, the Claret-and-Cobalt began to establish possession, tripping up Toronto with an ability to switch the field, but the Canadians’ defensive rearguard was able to thwart RSL’s best attempts at goal.
In the 25th minute, it looked as if RSL had a certain score when **Jasper Löffelsend** broke out towards goal, laying off a short pass to an unmarked **Danny Musovski** atop the six, but the forward was unable to keep his shot under the crossbar. Nearing the end of the first half, RSL Captain **Damir Kreilach** forced Toronto goalkeeper Greg Ranjitsingh to make a reaching save, pushing the ball over the crossbar. Shortly thereafter, the halftime whistle blew, the two sides entering the break scoreless.
Coming out of halftime, Real Salt Lake continued to lay on the pressure, putting forth a flurry of opportunities, but to no avail as Toronto’s defense continued to hold steady. It seemed as if Toronto had broken through in the 68th minute, when Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty’s wide-open shot smacked the left post, and a high-swinging leg from **Zac MacMath** ushered the ball out of danger.
Through the remaining half hour, the two sides ping-ponged the ball back and forth, alternating possession while creating half-chances. However, neither side was able to find the back of the net through 90 minutes of regulation. But in the final minute of stoppage time, Julio secured the game-winner, pouncing on a goal-line clearance to slot his shot in between Toronto’s ‘keeper and a lingering defender. Real Salt Lake secured its fourth-straight road victory with a miraculous save from MacMath in the final seconds of the match, stealing yet another win away from home.
UP NEXT: Real Salt Lake returns to America First Field to host Orlando City SC on Saturday, July 8, in what is expected to be new Designated Player **Chicho ‘Chicho’ Arango**’s debut game for RSL. Recent U-22 Initiative signing Nelson Palacio might also be available.
GOAL SCORING SUMMARY:
RSL: Anderson Julio 90+2nd minute: After a series of opportunities were saved off the goal-line, a poorly cleared ball landed at the feet of Julio, who easily one-touched his shot in between the ‘keeper and a Toronto defender.
NOTES:
- Real Salt Lake was without FW Rubio Rubin, who was away on international duty with Guatemala, competing in the Gold Cup.
- Julio’s 13th career Claret-and-Cobalt goal marked his 10th as a second-half substitute.
- Three saves from Zac MacMath gave the goalkeeper his 20th clean sheet for RSL and the team its fifth shutout of the season.
- For the second consecutive game, Real Salt Lake earned a result in stoppage time, first with Justen Glad in the 98th minute to secure a 2-2 draw against Minnesota last week, and then tonight with Anderson Julio in the 92nd minute to earn the 1-0 win over Toronto FC.
- Real Salt Lake matched a Club record set in 2012 and 2013 with its sixth road victory. With six remaining away games this RSL team could become the first squad in Club history to win seven matches away from home.
- With the win the team extends its active road unbeaten streak to 10 games across all competitions.
Lineups:
Real Salt Lake (4-4-2): Zac MacMath; Emeka Eneli, Justen Glad, Brayan Vera, Andrew Brody; Jefferson Savarino (Bryan Ovideo 90’), Braian Ojeda, Jasper Löffelsend (Bode Hidalgo 74’), Diego Luna (Bertin Jacquesson 83’); Danny Musovski (Anderson Julio 74’), Damir Kreilach (Ilijah Paul 83’)
Subs not used: Gavin Beavers, Scott Caldwell, Marcelo Silva, Moses Nyeman
Toronto FC (4-3-3): Greg Ranjitsingh; Aime Mabika, Kobe Franklin, Shane O’Neill (Lazar Stefanovic 56’), Raoul Petretta; Mark-Anthony Kaye (Alonso Coello 63’), Brandon Servania, Kosi Thompson (Deandre Kerr 56’); CJ Sapong (Ayo Akinola 77’), Federico Bernardeschi, Lorenzo Insigne (Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty 46’)
Subs not used: Luke Gavran, Jordan Perruzza, Themi Antonoglou, HugoMbongue
Stats Summary: RSL / TOR
Shots: 20 / 12
Shots on Goal: 6 / 2
Saves: 3 / 5
Corner Kicks: 8 / 2
Fouls: 10 / 8
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY:TOR: Aime Mabika (caution) 21’
RSL: Ilijah Paul (caution) 86’
