KANSAS CITY, Kansas (Wednesday, July 12, 2023) – Real Salt Lake (9-7-7, 34 points, 3rd West) earned a dramatic come-from-behind road point, overcoming a two-goal halftime deficit with second-half goals from forwards **Danny Musovski** and **Anderson Julio** to secure the 2-2 draw at Sporting Kansas City.
In the muggy midsummer heat of Sporting Kansas City’s ‘Blue Hell,’ Real Salt Lake struggled to establish possession in the opening minutes, forcing the team to remain sharp defensively in order to withstand the home side’s advances. The first real opportunity of the match, from either side, came in the 22nd minute, when Sporting’s Alan Pulido broke out towards goal, but RSL Homegrown goalkeeper **Gavin Beavers** was able to read the run well and make the diving save at the top of the 18-yard-box. Minutes later, on the other end of the field, RSL newcomer **Nelson Palacio** - making his Claret-and-Cobalt debut as the 200th player to log MLS minutes in 19 seasons - launched a shot from deep outside the 18-yard-box, forcing Kansas City's ‘keeper to make the full-stretched save.
In the 27th minute it appeared as if RSL might have found the opening goal, as **Bryan Oviedo** curled a shot towards the far post, but the ball squarely connected with the woodwork, robbing the Costa Rican of his first Claret-and-Cobalt score. Sporting Kansas City would go on to take the lead just minutes later, when Dániel Sallói tucked his shot between an outstretched Beavers and the near post. Just six minutes later, SKC captain Johnny Russell doubled the lead for the home side, spinning around **Justen Glad** to create open space in front of goal. Real Salt Lake was unable to find its way back into the match before the halftime whistle, entering the break down 2-0.
Trailing by two at the start of the second half, RSL Head Coach Pablo Mastroeni made three changes with immediate effect, as Musvoski connected on the end of a forward chip from second-half substitute **Chicho Arango**, to easily slot a shot overtop the goalkeeper and cut the deficit in half just seconds into the final 45. As Real Salt Lake continued to press for the equalizer, the team created several opportunities, but were unable to find the elusive second goal. Until the 72nd minute, that is, when second-half substitute **Anderson Julio** stripped an opponent with pressure and created a 1-v-1 chance between himself and the goalkeeper. Julio calmly placed a low shot, the ball trickling into the back of the net for his third goal in as many games - all off the bench - and the much-needed equalizer.
After both teams exchanged threatening chances over the next 15 minutes, Julio came just inches away from finding a game-winner in the 89th minute on a 1v1 chance, only to be denied by McIntosh’s sliding feet. On the defensive end, RSL goalkeeper Gavin Beavers made a game-saving stop in the first minute of stoppage time, using his chest to prevent a header on the goalline and ultimately secure yet another result on the road, RSL’s 11th-consecutive away match unbeaten across all competitions.
UP NEXT: Real Salt Lake returns to America First Field Saturday to host the New York Red Bulls at 7:30 p.m. MT. Following the match, the team will switch its focus to the inaugural Leagues Cup, hosting Seattle Sounders on Saturday, July 22 and CF Monterrey on Wednesday, July 26, kickoff for both games is set for 7:30 p.m. MT at America First Field.
GOAL-SCORING SUMMARY:
SKC: Dániel Sallói (Johnny Russell) 30th minute: Russell cut down the left side before sending a low cross towards Salloi who tucked his shot into the near post.
SKC: Johnny Russell (Erik Thommy) 36th minute: Thommy slotted a short pass to Russell who spun around his defender to create open space for an easy shot on goal.
RSL: Danny Musovski (Chicho Arango, Pablo Ruiz) 46th minute: Off the second-half kick, Arango received the ball off a long pass from Ruiz near the top of the midfield circle before sending a chip through the defensive line to an oncoming Musovski. Upon receiving the ball Musovski sprinted towards goal, chipping his shot over the diving arms of the goalkeeper.
RSL: Anderson Julio 72nd minute: Julio stripped the ball from a Kansas City defender in the attacking third, sprinting towards goal and hitting a low shot into the back of the net.
NOTES:
- Real Salt Lake was without FW Rubio Rubin, who returned from international duty late Monday night with Guatemala, competing in the Gold Cup.
- Midfielder Nelson Palacio made his Claret-and-Cobalt debut as a starter for Head Coach Pablo Mastroeni, becoming the 200th player to ever appear for Real Salt Lake and the 28th player to do so this season in either MLS or Open Cup play.
- Setting up the assist for RSL’s opener, midfielder Pablo Ruiz recorded his eighth assist in the last 12 matches across all competitions.
- In just his second game with Real Salt Lake, Designated Player Chicho Arango earned his first assist, providing the pass which led to Danny Musovski’s fifth MLS goal and seventh overall score of the year.
- Forward Anderson Julio recorded his third goal in as many games, all off the bench. The Ecuadoran international has now scored 12 of his 15 goals off the bench.
Lineups:
Real Salt Lake (4-4-2): Gavin Beavers; Emeka Eneli, Justen Glad, Marcelo Silva, Andrew Brody; Andrés Gomez (Diego Luna 46’), Nelson Palacio (Braian Ojeda 79’), Jasper Löffelsend (Pablo Ruiz 46’), Bryan Oviedo; Damir Kreilach (Chicho Arango 46’), Danny Musovski (Anderson Julio 68’)
Subs not used: Zac MacMath, Brayan Vera, Bode Hidalgo, Bertin Jacquesson
Sporting Kansas City (4-3-3): Kendall McIntosh; Andreu Fontas, Dany Roserp, Time Leibold, Jake Davis; Nemanja Radoja, Erik Thommy (Gadi Kinda 57’), Remi Walter; Johnny Russell (Marinos Tzionis 57’), Alan Pulido, Daniel Salloi
Subs not used: John Pulskamp, Robert Voloder, Khiry Shelton, Felipe Gutierrez, Roger Espinoza, Logan Ndenbe, Stephan Afrifa
Stats Summary: RSL / SKCShots: 12 / 11
Shots on Goal: 9 / 4
Saves: 7 / 2
Corner Kicks: 3 / 4
Fouls: 11 / 5
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY:RSL: Chicho Arango (caution) 67’
RSL: Pablo Ruiz (caution) 87’
