After picking up a point in the previous match, Real Salt Lake returned home looking for a big three points against Minnesota United.
RSL opened up the game on the front foot, jumping on a chance early. A poor clearance by Minnesota found the feat of Sergio Cordova, who danced around a defender and slotted the ball into the back of the net for a 1-0 lead in the sixth minute.
MAKIN IT RAIN TEDDY BEARS 💛 pic.twitter.com/eed6ZdxYx8
— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) September 1, 2022
Real Salt Lake added a second goal in the 23rd minute when a left-footed shot from Jefferson Savarino from close range beat the Minnesota keeper for the 2-0 advantage.
Once again do you have time to talk about our lord and savior Jefferson Savarino? pic.twitter.com/lNouFLrAai
— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) September 1, 2022
RSL added the final blow in the second half when Andrew Brody sent a perfect pass from midfield to a streaking Anderson Julio. Julio gathered the ball, evaded the keeper, and fired a shot into the back of an empty net for the 3-0 lead in the 79th minute.
Oh Mr. Julio you amazing amazing man. pic.twitter.com/c6Nu7kCLYA
— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) September 1, 2022
Real then saw out the final minutes of the match, taking the vital three points and extending its unbeaten streak to four.
RSL tallied 12 shots (seven on goal) to Minnesota’s four (none on target) in the match, while also winning the possession battle 53 percent to 47 percent.
Racking up the cards
Real picked up a pair of yellow cards throughout the course of the match, the first by Jasper Löffelsend and the second by Justen Glad.
Both players will now miss the next match against LAFC due to yellow card accumulation.
RSL in the table
With the win, Real now finds itself in sixth place in the Western Conference, even on points with fifth place Nashville while having a game in hand.
RSL is now just two points out of third position, while also moving four points above the playoff line with only six games remaining.
Up next
The Claret and Cobalt now travel to Banc of California Stadium to face league-leading LAFC. The match will take place on Sunday, September 4, and kick off at 8:30 p.m. MT. RSL vs. LAFC can be seen on KMYU and the KSL TV app.
