It took stoppage time, but then again, wins aren’t always pretty. Real Salt Lake forward Fabian Espindola scored in the 93rd minute to beat the Colorado Rapids 1-0 on Wednesday night.
Javier Morales ricocheted a shot off the right post and the volley ended up at the feet of Espindola. And after a scramble, fired the game-winner tot he back of the net.
Real Salt Lake was able to dominate possession in the first half but couldn’t convert. Then Colorado sseemed like the better team in the second half, but couldn’t make any magic happen.
Courtesy mlssoccer.com
Neither team looked very good inside the box. Only two solid opportunities for both teams. Rapids’ middy Jamie Smith tried on a quick break, but Real goalie Nick Rimando was there to smother the shot. Real answered with a header attempt from Salt Lake defender Nat Borchers but it sailed wide.
The Rapids have now lost back-to-back games and Real Salt Lake is one step closer to taking the Rocky Mountain Cup home. It’s awarded to the winner of the season series by supporters’ groups from both clubs.
It was a record setting day for Real. The team extended their league unbeaten streak to 18 games. One more and they tie the MLS record set by FC Dallas last season and the Columbus Crew over the end of 2004 and the first two games of 2005. Real also extended its home unbeaten streak against MLS opponents to 27 games.
In the game, Real goalie Nick Rimando earned his 76th career shutout.
It was the third time in a row these two teams have played down to the wire. The last two ended in draws. Four of the previous six games between the two rivals had been decided by a goal scored after the 88th minute.
Yay Soccer!
Yay Soccer!
booo soccer
booo soccer