Damir Kreilach Scores From Distance, Real Salt Lake Dominates Rapids In Tucson Opener

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Damir Kreilach has scored the goal of the preseason thus far as Real Salt Lake dominates Colorado Rapids during the first practice match in Tucson, Arizona.

Kreilach scored with the outside of his right foot from just outside the box, finding the top right corner and adding to RSL’s lead. Rapids goalkeeper was left motionless as he watched the ball soar into the back of the net from the least likely of opportunities.

77’ – UHHH Damir 😳 3-0 #RSL. What a strike!

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) April 4, 2021

RSL beat the Rapids 3-0. Two first-half goals from Anderson Julio and Damir Kreilach had the Claret and Cobalt leading 2-0 at the half.

The second half only included Kreilach’s wonder goal, however, RSL was dominant from start to finish as it dismantled their Rocky Mountain rivals.

Standout Players

Standout performances included Kreilach who ended with a brace and looked lively in the midfield, Pablo Ruiz was sensational distributing the ball, Andrew Brody was flying up and down the right side of the pitch all evening long, Anderson Julio showcased his speed and threatened the Rapid backline frequently, and Rubio Rubin looked like a number nine that could score double-digit goals in 2021.

FT – #RSL claims a 3-0 win over @ColoradoRapids to begin the @VisitTucsonAZ Sun Cup.

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) April 4, 2021

Manager Freddy Juarez did not utilize his bench until deep into the game. The starters received significant minutes to open their 10-day stint in Tucson, Arizona. It is unlikely we see many of the starters have much of a contribution as they prepare for Phoenix Rising on April 7th.

RSL invited the Rapids press as they navigated moving the ball from the backline to begin attacking opportunities. They frequently passed their way out of trouble and quickly found themselves with space to operate in their attacking half.

Furthermore, RSL looked sharp, composed, and crisp. They looked like a team that was ready to turn their fortunes around in 2021. Very few mistakes were made by the RSL players, which is rare considering their lack of preseason matches thus far.

Rising Game In Jeopardy

However, reports began to surface that the Rising has been involved in a COVID cluster as their game against the Seattle Sounders is in jeopardy, they were scheduled to play on Sunday, April 4th.