This Saturday, Real Salt Lake triumphed in the week 31 clash of the MLS, defeating the Colorado Rapids by a score of 1-0. The decisive goal was scored by Diogo Gonçalves in the 38th minute of the first half.
The midfielder unleashed a powerful shot from the semicircle after receiving a pass from Rwan Cruz. The ball found the top right corner of the net.
Colorado Rapids’ midfielder Theodore Ku-Dipietro had a golden opportunity to equalize in the 61st minute but struck the post with his shot, denying his team the chance to level the score.
Diogo Gonçalves was undoubtedly the standout performer of the match, contributing significantly with a goal and three shots on target.
Another key player at America First Field was goalkeeper Rafael Cabral, who showcased remarkable skills by saving four shots from Colorado Rapids.
In a notable moment, Real Salt Lake’s Diogo Gonçalves left Colorado’s Cole Bassett embarrassed with a brilliant nutmeg in the 65th minute of the second half.
Real Salt Lake’s coach, Pablo Mastroeni, deployed a 4-4-2 formation with Rafael Cabral in goal; DeAndre Yedlin, Brayan Vera, Justen Glad, and Alexandros Katranis in defense; Diogo Gonçalves, Noel Caliskan, Braian Ojeda, and Diego Luna in midfield; and Rwan Cruz alongside Victor Olatunji in attack.
On the other side, Colorado Rapids, led by Chris Armas, set up in a 4-5-1 formation with Zack Steffen in goal; Reggie Cannon, Andreas Maxso, Rob Holding, and Rafael Santos in defense; Connor Ronan, Joshua Atencio, Calvin Harris, Paxten Aaronson, and Cole Bassett in midfield; and Rafael Navarro as the lone striker.
The match referee was Christopher Penso.
Looking ahead, Real Salt Lake will visit the Seattle Sounders in their next fixture, while Colorado Rapids will host Los Angeles FC at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
Substitutions for Real Salt Lake
69’ 2T – Diogo Gonçalves was replaced by William Agada, and Rwan Cruz made way for Tyler Wolff.
80’ 2T – Alexandros Katranis was substituted for Samuel Junqua.
87’ 2T – Diego Luna was substituted by Emeka Eneli.
96’ 2T – Victor Olatunji was replaced by Ariath Piol.
Yellow Card for Real Salt Lake:
47’ 2T – Braian Ojeda (Unsporting Behavior)
Substitutions for Colorado Rapids
60’ 2T – Rafael Santos was replaced by Sam Vines and Connor Ronan was substituted for Theodore Ku-Dipietro.
68’ 2T – Joshua Atencio made way for Oliver Larraz.
73’ 2T – Calvin Harris was replaced by Darren Yapi.