Real Salt Lake Picks Up Point After 1-1 Draw With Fire

BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. – Real Salt Lake picked up its first point in the standings in nearly a month after tying the Chicago Fire 1-1.

RSL last picked up a point in a 2-1 win over Atlanta United on May 24. Following that thrilling victory, which came on a last-second goal by Jefferson Savarino, RSL dropped an MLS match to the New York Red Bulls by score of 4-0 and then dropped a 3-0 decision to LAFC in the U.S. Open Cup.

For a team that badly needed a point, RSL got the job done and took advantage of an opportune moment when Albert Rusnak tied the game up in the 33^rd minute on a penalty kick attempt.

Albert ties the match up from the spot. pic.twitter.com/DnTt1DzeRI

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) June 23, 2019

That goal proved to be enough for the tie as both teams went scoreless for the rest of the game.

Early on, it looked like RSL was in trouble and outmatched against Chicago. The Fire scored early, in the fifth minute on a free kick from just outside the box by Aleksandar Katai.

The free kick was awarded to Chicago after a questionable foul call on Everton Luiz. Still, with the somewhat close opportunity, Katai took advantage. He flicked a low shot past the RSL wall of defenders and into the net. Legendary goalkeeper Nick Rimando made a rare mistake as he completely missed the shot, guessing and diving in the wrong direction.

After allowing the goal, RSL was still a bit sluggish at the start of the game. Chicago completely dominiated the possession while the visitors struggled to get anything going. RSL played slow and turned the ball over far too much, it was not good soccer, or football, if you will.

Rimando Finds Redemption

Late in the match, Chicago had a chance to steal the game. Gathering possession after a corner kick, they had a chance at a back-door header by Przemyslaw Frankowski, but Rimando came up with a big stand-up save. It was redemption from his mistake in the first half and saved the match for RSL.

The 🐐 with quick 🙌 pic.twitter.com/aqSptlwo0R

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) June 23, 2019

Key Stats

After Rusnak’s goal, RSL played a much better game and ended up owning the possession, 56 percent to 44 percent. Each team also made one save on two shots on goal apiece.

Next Up

RSL will next return home to host longtime rival Sporting Kansas City on June 29 at 8 p.m. at Rio Tinto Stadium. The match can be streamed live on KSLSports.com or on the KSL TV app.