MLS Real Salt Lake

Reserves Recap: Real Salt Lake Defeats Chivas USA 2-0

September 24, 2013 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Real Salt Lake News Release


SANDY, Utah (Tuesday, Sept. 24) - The Real Salt Lake Reserves (6-4-4, 22 points, West #1) scored twice in the second half to beat the Chivas USA Reserves 2-0 in the Claret-and-Cobalt's final game of the 2013 MLS Reserve League season at America First Field in Sandy, Utah on Tuesday morning.

RSL's first goal came in the 67th minute when MF Sebastian Velasquez converted from the penalty spot after FW Olmes Garcia was brought down inside the penalty box by Chivas USA GK Tim Melia. Velasquez buried a left-footed shot into the right side of the net, sending Melia the wrong way. RSL sealed the win in the 90th minute, when MF Lovel Palmer streaked down the right flank and found RSL-Arizona Academy player, FW Nick Jackson, inside the box, who then blasted a shot right down the middle into the roof of the net.

The first half found both teams trying to find a rhythm, but a stream of easy giveaways in the midfield from both sides prevented either team from settling the game down. RSL GK Jeff Attinella came up big when Chivas USA FW Matthew Fondy headed a cross from MF Jose Manuel Rivera right in front of goal, forcing Attinella to making a diving save.

RSL's best chance in the first half came in the 43rd minute, when MF Lovel Palmer found himself with time on the right and sent a beautiful long switch to the left side that MF Yordany Alvarez collected on the left flank. With his defender beat and a clear shot at goal, Alvarez sent his shot high over the crossbar.

The second half featured multiple goal-scoring opportunities for RSL. Velasquez put the Claret-and-Cobalt on top in the 67th, converting his spot kick seconds after Garcia - who had just seen a shot denied - was fouled by Melia while attempting to collect a rebound.

RSL DF Rich Balchan, who was making his first appearance since dislocating his right shoulder on April 28 in a Reserve League game against the LA Galaxy had a good look in the 83rd minute, taking a ball down off his chest inside the 18-yard box and volleying wide of the net. Today's match was also the first game back for MF John Stertzer, who dislocated his left shoulder in a Reserve League game at Chivas USA on May 20.

Jackson sealed the game for RSL in the 90th minute. Velasquez found Palmer on the right flank with a cutting through ball, setting up the Jamaican right back for a cross to Jackson at the spot. The Real Salt Lake-Arizona Academy forward made no mistake with the chance, slotting the ball into the roof of the net with his first touch to clinch the victory.

Today's win gives Real Salt Lake a final 2013 Reserve League season record of 6-4-4. The Claret-and-Cobalt currently leads the Western Conference Reserve League standings, though several teams within striking distance have multiple games in hand on RSL.

Real Salt Lake will return to action on Saturday, when it will take on Vancouver Whitecaps FC at 5:00 p.m. MT at BC Place. Saturday's match will be broadcast live on CW30, Univision, ESPN700 and 102.3 La Gran D FM/1600 AM.

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Major League Soccer Stories from September 24, 2013


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