Both Real Salt Lake Goals Conceded Versus Seattle A Result Of ‘Easily Fixable’ Mistakes

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – It is easy to look at the recent loss against Seattle and be pessimistic about what the future holds for Real Salt Lake as they gave up yet another late goal to surrender more points.

RSL has conceded 10 goals thus far in 2021, 8 of which have come within the final 15 minutes of games. The vast majority of goals conceded by RSL in 2021 are at the death and against Seattle was another example of that.

However, when you re-watch the fixture and dissect the two goals in which RSL concede, you will notice a trend. Both goals should never have happened, if it weren’t for two very silly errors from specific RSL players, the outcome is likely very different than a 2-1 defeat.

“Very fixable,” Juarez said when asked about the mistakes that led to the goals at the conclusion of the game. “It is more concentration than anything else,” he added.

Poor Communication & Awareness

The first Seattle goal was scored by Christian Roldan, but the ball was at the feet of Nick Besler in the heart of the midfield just seconds earlier. Besler was unaware that he was under pressure off his left shoulder and casually turned the ball over. His RSL teammates needed to do a better job of communicating with Besler, who was clearly unaware of the danger that surrounded him.

CRISTIAN 👏 ROLDAN 👏@CristianRoldan gives us the 1-0 lead! 😍#SoundersMatchday | #SEAvRSL pic.twitter.com/co0Z5AyrOC

— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) June 24, 2021

Then, within the blink of an eye, the ball is in the back of the net as Seattle was able to counter-attack and outnumber an exposed RSL backline.

Casual Attempted Clearance

The game-winner was conceded in a rather unfortunate fashion when the ball ricocheted off the chest and shoulder of Anderson Julio before brushing his hand in which referee Ted Unkel deemed penalty-worthy.

But, as is often the case, when you reviewed the play in slow motion the decision to award Seattle a penalty was harsh.

However, Julio should never have been put in the position in the first place. Aaron Herrera was all alone at the back post when he attempted to clear the ball with his head from a Christian Roldan cross but found himself off balance and popped it up into the chest of Raúl Ruidíaz.

What a combo 💯@CristianRoldan and @RaulRuidiazM's goals last night!! 🎥 pic.twitter.com/75FBGq1Du3

— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) June 24, 2021

Herrera made a poor play that unnecessarily put his teammate Julio in a poor position. Next time, one must assume that Herrera takes all of the risks out of it and flicks the ball behind him for either a Seattle throw-in or corner kick.

Both mistakes made by RSL that led to both goals are very fixable. Something that manager Freddy Juarez must remind himself of when he talks to the team ahead of their clash with Houston on Saturday evening.

Communication is vital within the game of soccer and clearly, RSL is in need of a reminder that they must look after each other out on the pitch.

As disappointing as the loss to the best team in the land is there is certainly a lot to be excited about as RSL ventures ahead.

Next Game

RSL will host Houston Dynamo on Saturday, June 26 at 6 p.m.

The match will be available to stream via the KSL Sports & KSL 5 TV apps or on KSL Sports dot com.