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MLS Real Salt Lake

Late Goal Sends Real Salt Lake To 1-2 Defeat

October 30, 2010 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Real Salt Lake News Release


FRISCO, Texas - Real Salt Lake came firing out of the gates in Leg One of its Western Conference Semifinal Series against FC Dallas, but a late goal for the home side in both halves would give Dallas a 2-1 win in front of 11,003 fans at Pizza Hut Park. The result, RSL's ninth loss in as many games at FC Dallas across regular season and postseason play, means that only a win in Leg Two next Saturday, Nov. 6 at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy (8:00 p.m. MT kickoff) will do if the defending champs are to carry on in the 2010 MLS Cup Playoffs.

Despite claims this week of coming to Texas and possibly sitting back in a defensive posture, Real Salt Lake instead seemed intent on imposing its will from the opening whistle - and it didn't take long for the strategy to pay dividends. Just five minutes in, FW Fabian Espíndola ran onto MF Andy Williams' looping ball and cut inside before unleashing a left-footed shot from 20 yards into the upper left corner of goal, giving the champs a dream start to the series. Real Salt Lake nearly escaped into the locker room with an advantage, but former Claret-and-Cobalt striker Jeff Cunningham would have his say just before the half, barreling his way through three defenders inside the area before finishing low past GK Nick Rimando to even the match in the 44th minute.

With FC Dallas gaining more and more momentum in the second 45 minutes, Real Salt Lake was dealt a severe blow when MF Javier Morales picked up a second yellow card and subsequent ejection in the 69th minute, forcing him to miss not only the final quarter of today's affair, but also next Saturday's second leg in Sandy. However, referee Kevin Stott would not take long to bring the sides back to square, judging Dallas MF Atiba Harris' high elbow on an aerial challenge with RSL MF Will Johnson on the bench sideline a straight red card offense just six minutes later to set up 10-v-10 soccer for the final 15 minutes. Leg One's decisive moment came in the 88th minute, when FC Dallas substitute attacker Eric Avila punctuated a quick build-up through the middle with a stunning blast from 22 yards that flew past a diving Rimando and inside the far left post.

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