DC United faced a tough challenge, unable to score and ultimately falling 2-0 to Real Salt Lake during their match at America First Field on Saturday evening. The team could not capitalize on their chances and left empty-handed after a decisive performance from the home side.
Johnny Russell ignited the scoring early with a brilliant finish in the 22nd minute, capitalizing on a well-placed cross from Diogo Gonçalves. The forward expertly placed the ball into the net, putting Real Salt Lake ahead.
Continuing the momentum, Zavier Gozo secured the victory with his goal in the 76th minute, sealing the match at 2-0 for Real Salt Lake.
Diogo Gonçalves was a standout performer, making his presence felt with two shots on target and also providing the assist for the first goal.
For Real Salt Lake, coach Pablo Mastroeni implemented a 4-3-3 formation with Rafael Cabral as the goalkeeper; defenders Noel Caliskan, Justen Glad, Brayan Vera, and Alexandros Katranis; midfielders Pablo Enrique Ruíz, Diogo Gonçalves, and Nelson Palacio; alongside forwards William Agada, Zavier Gozo, and Johnny Russell.
DC United, managed by Troy Lesesne, opted for a 3-5-2 formation, featuring Luis Barraza in goal; Lucas Bartlett, Kye Rowles, and Garrison Tubbs in defense; Boris Enow, Gabriel Pirani, Conner Antley, Brandon Servania, and David Schnegg in the midfield; and Randall Leal and Dominique Badji leading the attack.
The match was officiated by referee Jon Freemon.
Looking ahead, Real Salt Lake will visit Sporting Kansas City in their next outing, while DC United prepares to take on Nashville SC at home.
Substitutions for Real Salt Lake
45’ 2T – Johnny Russell off for Aiden Hezarkhani
68’ 2T – William Agada off for Ariath Piol
81’ 2T – Alexandros Katranis off for Samuel Junqua
82’ 2T – Diogo Gonçalves off for Tyler Wolff
93’ 2T – Zavier Gozo off for Lachlan Brook
Yellow Cards for Real Salt Lake:
2’ 2T – William Agada (Unsporting behavior), 16’ 2T – Alexandros Katranis (Dissent), 27’ 2T – Brayan Vera (Unsporting behavior)
Substitutions for DC United
61’ 2T – Randall Leal off for Kristian Fletcher, Garrison Tubbs off for Derek Dodson
71’ 2T – Gabriel Pirani off for Jared Stroud
75’ 2T – Brandon Servania off for Hosei Kijima
76’ 2T – Conner Antley off for Jacob Murrell
Yellow Card for DC United:
16’ 2T – Dominique Badji (Dissent)