MLS Colorado Rapids

Real Salt Lake Downs Rapids 2-1

Published on May 18, 2014 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Colorado Rapids News Release


SANDY, UTAH - For the first 22 minutes of Saturday's game against Colorado, Real Salt Lake controlled the run of play but somehow couldn't tack the last pass on possession after possession.

That is untilTony Beltrangot off a nice pass toDevon Sandoval, who got off a nice pass toJavier Morales, who setJoao Plataup beautifully for his sixth goal of the season - a left-footer from the left side of the box, back across the goal and inside the right post past Rapids goalkeeper Clint Irwin.

The goal gave the the Claret-and-Cobalt a lead it would never relinquish en route to a 2-1 victory in Game 1 of the 2014 edition of the Rocky Mountain Rivalry.

Just five minutes into the second half, RSL doubled the lead in a way that was oh-so-familiar to the Rapids. Salt Lake midfielderNed Grabavoymaneuvered the ball into the box and passed it to Sandoval, who was taken down by Rapids goalkeeperClint Irwin. Referee Mark Geiger pointed to the spot and, after strong objections by the Rapids, Javier Morales stepped up and put it in the upper right of the net for his fourth goal in two games.

As is generally the case when these two teams get together, there would again be late game drama. In the 83rd minute, Colorado'sDrew Moorfinally got one to go his way as he cut the lead in half with a header offDillon Serna's free kick. However RSL held on for the full three points.

The win extended RSL's unbeaten streak to start the season to 11 games in a row, and they did it withoutcaptainKyle Beckerman, veteran goalkeeperNick Rimandoand leading scorerAlvaro Saboriowho were with their national team's at pre-World Cup camps.

After taking the 2-0 lead, Salt Lake repeatedly dodged bullets fired at them by the Rapids. And Colorado did not lack for chances. In the 57th minute, an unmarked Drew Moor launched a header to the far post that could've, should've gone in. Just two minutes later, RSL goalkeeperJeff Attinellacame out to get the ball and missed, leaving Moor with another header that also failed to find the net.

Attinella, stepping in for Rimando, kept the Rapids off the scoreboard for 83 minutes with several spectacular saves, including a double save in the 73rd minute on shots fromKamani Hilland Serna as Colorado's push intensified.

RSL's (6-0-5, 23 points) win was the first over the Rapids (4-4-3, 15 points) since July 21, 2012; Colorado has won two and tied two since then.A decade into the rivalry, it's all tied up: 10 wins apiece, with nine ties.

The win also gives RSL a leg up on regaining the Rocky Mountain Cup, the symbol of supremacy between the two teams. The team that claims the most points in the three regular-season games claims the cup; if it's a tie, the cup remains the previous year's winner, Colorado.

Real Salt Lake hosts Dallas on Saturday; Colorado returns home to take on Montreal.

The Rocky Mountain Rivalry resumes on Aug. 2 in Colorado before concluding on Sept. 18 back in Rio Tinto Stadium.

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Major League Soccer Stories from May 18, 2014


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