Real Salt Lake 2 at 1 Austin FC
June 3, 2023; Q2 Stadium; Austin, Texas
Real Salt Lake (5-7-4, 19 points); Austin FC (5-7-4, 19 points)
Man of the Match: **Rubio Rubín** opened the scoring for Real Salt Lake in the 15th minute heading home an aerial pass from **Jasper Löffelsend**, his first goal since Decision Day last year against Portland Timbers. Despite a lengthy two-hour weather delay and slick conditions, Rubín continued to play with intensity linking up with his teammates in search of a second goal for RSL. That goal would come in the 81st minute when **Maikel Chang**) found Rubín near the penalty spot, who powered a shot past the Austin ‘keeper to extend the lead. It is Rubín’s first brace since September 15, 2021 against the San Jose Earthquakes.
Telling Stats: RSL clinched its first-ever victory at Q2 stadium, improving their overall record against Austin FC to 3-3 in regular season matchups. It also marks the sixth win in the state of Texas in 45 total matches played in the Lone Star State. **Gavin Beavers**, who made his second MLS start (third appearance), picked up his first win in league play to go along with his three U.S. Open Cup wins this season
What You Missed: Real Salt Lake jumped out in front just 15 minutes into the game when Rubio Rubín headed in a floating ball from Jasper Löffelsend, the fourth time this season RSL has scored first (3-0-1). Los Verdes looked to pull one back just two minutes later, but Gavin Beavers’ diving save was enough to push away the freekick attempt. Beavers was tested again in the 38th minute but he was able to cover his near post on a diving save, turning away a tricky flick from a few yards in front of goal. Five minutes before halftime the players were removed from the pitch due to a weather delay which lasted two hours before the eventual restart for the remainder of the second half. The second period of play saw both teams exchange chances in search of a crucial game-altering goal. Austin nearly drew level in the 58th minute when Sebastian Driussi had the ball at his feet a few yards away from the goal line and Beavers on the ground, but the 18-year-old ‘keeper stretched his arm out to make an incredible stop denying Driussi the game-tying goal. RSL padded its lead in the 81st minute when Rubín found the back of the net again, drilling a centering pass from Maikel Chang near the penalty spot to double the lead. Austin did not go down quietly as Julio Castante headed in a corner in the first minute of stoppage time to draw within a goal. Just a minute later Austin came close to tying the game on another corner kick, but Beavers made a diving save to cover up the ball and prevent any further attempt on net, sealing the 2-1 win for the Claret-and-Cobalt.
What’s Next?: Real Salt Lake will take on LA Galaxy for the second time in a week as the two teams square off in the Quarterfinals of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday, June 7 at 7:30 p.m. MT in Sandy. Three days later RSL will host New York City FC at America First Field in league action on Saturday, June 10 at 7:30 p.m. MT.
