RSL’s Season Comes To An End With 4-2 Loss To Sporting Kansas City
Nov 11, 2018, 4:42 PM
RSL forward Luis Silva attempts to score a goal against Sporting Kansas City in the second leg of the Western Conference Semifinals of the MLS Cup Playoffs at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas (Sporting Kansas City)
(Sporting Kansas City)
KANSAS CITY, Kan. – Real Salt Lake was not able to overcome a 2-0 first half deficit, losing to Sporting Kansas City 4-2 in the second leg and 5-3 on aggregate. RSL is eliminated from the MLS Cup Playoffs.
SKC scored the first two goals in the second leg of the Western Conference semifinals. They were scored five minutes apart beginning in the 14th minute with forward Diego Rubio. Forward Daniel Salloi knocked in the second goal.
Real Salt Lake Storms Back
In the second half, RSL scored as Sebastian Saucedo came off the bench and put them within one goal on aggregate 3-2.
Real’s comeback attempt took a detour as Sporting was awarded a questionable penalty kick 60 minutes into the game. That goal gave SKC a two goal separation once again.
Five minutes later, Damir Kreilach put RSL within one goal after scoring his first goal of the match.
Real Salt Lake had many more chances to tie the game and advance to the conference finals by scoring more goals on the road, but they couldn’t find the final goal.
SKC put the game away in the final minute as Salloi scored his second goal of the game.
“I am trying to think of a time where I had more pride than I did after that second half,” said RSL head coach Mike Petke after the game. “I was blown away by their (the players) reaction.”
Real Playing Without Three Key Players
Entering the second leg against Sporting Kansas City, Real Salt Lake had to play without three key players.
Midfielder Albert Rusnak was suspended for the game after two yellow cards in the first two playoff games.
Defender Marcelo Silva suffered an injury in the first game against Sporting and was not able to play on Sunday.
MLS Rookie of the Year Corey Baird suffered a concussion in practice on Saturday, one day before the match.
“Every players’ downfall due to injury or suspension is another players’ opportunity to step up,” said Mike Petke.
We gave it everything we had. pic.twitter.com/KE0QgOJhX1
— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) November 11, 2018
Sporting Kansas City will face the Portland Timbers in the Western Conference Finals and RSL will begin the 2019 season in March.
