Real Salt Lake 2(1) vs. 2(3) Austin FC
October 16, 2022; Q2 Stadium, Austin, Texas
Real Salt Lake (12-12-11, 47 points); Austin FC (17-10-8, 59 points)
Man of the Match: Real Salt Lake Homegrown Andrew Brody earned his seventh assist of the season in RSL’s penalty shootout victory over Austin FC. Brody’s cross found forward Sergio Cordova’s head in the third minute for the opening goal of the match. The Homegrown had a chance in the 110th minute to win the match for Real Salt Lake, but his shot went wide. Brody was one of five players for the Claret-and-Cobalt to play the full 120 minutes. Additionally, his six clearances helped the team push the match into penalty kicks.
Telling Stat: Today’s penalty shootout was the fifth in the Club’s history and just the second time RSL has fallen in penalty kicks. Real Salt Lake defeated both Chicago Fire and LA Galaxy from the spot in 2009 on its way to the Claret-and-Cobalt’s first-ever MLS Cup. The Club also beat Seattle in the first round of the 2021 Audi MLS Cup playoffs. Before today’s match with Austin FC, RSL had only ever lost to Sporting Kansas City in penalties, falling to the bitter rivals in the 2013 MLS Cup Final.
What You Missed: Real Salt Lake fell to Austin FC 3-1 in a penalty shootout after ending regulation and extra time tied 2-2. Sergio Cordova scored a brace for the Claret-and-Cobalt in the first 15 minutes but Sebastian Driussi netted a brace of his own before the end of regulation. Forward Rubio Rubin was shown a second yellow in the 53rd minute, leaving the Club down a man for the rest of the match. In the shootout, Austin goalkeeper Brad Stuvar made two saves to give the Texas side their first playoff victory.
What’s Next: With the loss, Real Salt Lake’s season is complete.
