Sandy, Utah (Wednesday, May 17, 2017) – Real Salt Lake (3-7-2, 11pts) toppled NYCFC 2-1 behind goals from MF Albert Rusnak and DF Aaron Maund to notch their first win in five games.
After falling behind in just the fourth minute courtesy of a Sean Okoli strike, RSL dug itself out of the hole quickly. GK Nick Rimando earned his record-setting save in the 27th minute becoming Major League Soccer’s all-time leader in saves before Rusnák evened the match in the 38th minute with a thunderous strike past NYCFC goalkeeper Sean Johnson.
The winner came through an unusual source as Maund headed home RSL’s winner in the 51st minute from a Rusnák corner kick. Rusnák earned a goal and an assist on the night.
As NYCFC pressed in search of the equalizer, RSL stood firm defensively. DF Chris Schuler and Rimando kept the back line organized as the Claret-and-Cobalt took all three points at Rio Tinto Stadium.
UP NEXT: A quick turnaround sees Real Salt Lake travel to the Pacific Northwest for the first time in 2017 as RSL take on the Seattle Sounders at CenturyLink Field on May 20 (3:00 pm MST kickoff). RSL finished 1-2-0 against the Sounders in 2016, dropping both matches being played in Seattle. The matchup on Saturday will be the first of two matches in 2017 against the Rave Green.
GOAL SCORING RUNDOWN:
NYCFC Sean Okoli, 4th minute: A deflected through ball put Okoli into the box with a chance on goal. Okoli took an off-balance shot and tucked the ball into the far side netting past a diving Rimando.
Albert Rusnák (Jefferson Savarino) 38th minute: A streaking run from RSL midfielder Jefferson Savarino found Rusnák near the top of the area. Rusnák received the ball and fired a shot through a defender’s legs and into the far side netting from 20 yards.
Aaron Maund (Albert Rusnák) 51st minute: RSL defender Aaron Maund snuck himself between two NYCFC defenders to nod home a goal from a Rusnák corner kick.
KEY SAVES AND DEFENSIVE STOPS:
RSL – Yura Movsisyan, 11th minute: A free-kick struck by NYCFC midfielder Andrea Pirlo looked destined for the top corner of Nick Rimando’s net but Movsisyan put his head in the way to block the attempt at the wall.
NYCFC – RJ Allen, 23rd minute: RSL midfielder Albert Rusnák ran directly at goal from a counter attack. Rusnák fired a shot from 19 yards but Allen stepped in front of the shot and blocked the attempt out for a corner kick.
RSL – Nick Rimando, 27th minute: The RSL netminder corralled an easy shot from 25 yards away taken by Alexander Ring for his 1476th save in Major League Soccer, moving into the top spot as the al-time saves leader.
RSL – Nick Rimando, 57th minute: NYCFC striker David Villa created space for himself to have a shot inside eight yards but Rimando stood tall and pawed away the blast and away from danger.
NOTES:
- RSL’s newest Young DP Jefferson Savarino made his first start and first home appearance at Rio Tinto Stadium since signing on May 8. Savarino started the match and played 88 minutes.
- RSL goalkeeper Nick Rimando broke the all-time MLS save record, notching his 1476th save in his return to the field against NYCFC. Rimando now owns the all-time shutout, save, wins, minutes and starts for a goalkeeper in Major League Soccer.
- RSL midfielder Kyle Beckerman returned to the starting 11 after suffering a calf injury three weeks ago, making his first appearance since an April 22nd matchup against Atlanta United.
Match: Real Salt Lake vs New York City FC
Date: May 17, 2017
Venue: Rio Tinto Stadium; Sandy, Utah
Attendance: 16,434
Weather: Partly Cloudy and 45 degrees
Scoring Summary: 1 2 F
Real Salt Lake 1 1 2
New York City FC 1 0 1
NYCFC – Sean Okoli 4’
RSL – Albert Rusnák (Jefferson Savarino) 38’
RSL – Aaron Maund (Albert Rusnák) 51’
Lineups:
Real Salt Lake (4-2-3-1): Nick Rimando; Chris Wingert, Aaron Maund, Chris Schuler, Justin Schmidt; Luke Mulholland, Kyle Beckerman; Jefferson Savarino (Omar Holness 88’), Albert Rusnák (Sunny 84’), Joao Plata; Yura Movsisyan (Luis Silva, 46’)
Subs not used: Matt Van Oekel, Reagan Dunk, Jose Hernandez, Ricardo Velazco
New York City FC: (4-3-3): Sean Johnson; Fredric Brillant, Alexander Callens, RJ Allen, Ethan White; Alexander Ring, Andrea Pirlo, Maximiliano Moralez; Tommy McNamara (David Villa, 54’), Sean Okoli (John Stertzer, 70’), Miguel Camargo (Jack Harrison, 54’)
Subs not used: Erik Johansen, Maxime Chanot, Ben Sweat, Mikey Lopez
Stats Summary: RSL/NYCFC
Shots: 17 / 16
Shots on Goal: 5 / 6
Saves: 5 / 3
Corner Kicks: 7 / 3
Fouls: 13 / 12
Offside: 3 / 1
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY:
RSL – Yura Movsisyan (caution) 16’
NYCFC – Ethan White (caution) 21’
RSL – Chris Schuler (caution) 23’
NYCFC – Tommy McNamara (caution) 45’
OFFICIALS:
Referee: Silviu Petrescu
Assistant Referees: Daniel Belleau, Ian Anderson
4th Official: Younes Marrakchi
