RSL Escapes With Valuable Road Point Against FC Dallas

FRISCO, Texas – Real Salt Lake looked like the better team against FC Dallas in a hot and humid evening in Frisco, Texas.

Dallas, who currently sits one point clear of RSL in the Western Conference Standings, was outplayed in a scoreless draw at Toyota Stadium.

A Texas Draw pic.twitter.com/RCdieovGhH

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) July 28, 2019

RSL had only won once and drawn three times at Toyota Stadium in their history. Although, this time, the players stood up to the challenge and looked like the better team in the 87 degree and 45 percent humidity weather.

It was announced two hours prior to kickoff that RSL manager Mike Petke would be suspended indefinitely due to his actions towards the referee after the Leagues Cup match against Tigres UANL on Wednesday evening.

Assistant coach Freddie Juarez filled in as manager against FC Dallas. Petke’s suspension is pending an MLS investigation, it is unclear as to when Petke will be able to return to the sidelines.

The first half was scoreless as both teams had chances to score but were unable to find the back of the net. A corner kick, deep into the first half, gave Marcelo Silva and RSL the best chance of the half after Jefferson Savarino found the head of Silva who was only seven yards out.

Dallas goalkeeper Jesse Gonzalez made a spectacular diving save going to his left denying Silva and RSL the lead at half time.

The second half had chances for both teams. FC Dallas winger Michael Barrios was dragged down in the box but referee denied the Colombian native after reviewing the incident on VAR.

Real Salt Lake ended the evening splitting the possession battle with FC Dallas, which is impressive considering it was a road game and RSL have not been promising on the road this season.

RSL were clearly the more dominant team with possession as the Claret and Cobalt generated seven more shots on goal than FC Dallas, leading the hosts sixteen shots to nine.

It was just the 10th point on the road for RSL this season. Although the game against Dallas was a positive performance considering they were playing their third match in seven days.

FC Dallas on the other hand were only playing their second game in a week. Yet, RSL looked the fresher side and generated more chances on goal.

Here are my immediate thoughts after the match:

.@realsaltlake looked the better team away from home against FC Dallas and were rewarded with a well earned point on the road. @TomCantHackett breaks down the ninety minutes. #RSLonKSL #DALvRSL https://t.co/U4MLTJY82x

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) July 28, 2019

Up Next

RSL will face New York City FC at Rio Tinto Stadium on Saturday, August 3rd at 8 p.m.

The match will be streamed on KSLSports.com or the KSL TV app.