Playing on the road, RSL desperately needed a win to keep their playoff hopes alive in the penultimate match of the regular season.
Real took the lead in the first half, thanks to a Sergio Cordova header in the 25th minute.
In typical RSL fashion, however, the lead did not last. Real committed a penalty, which Douglas Costa converted in the 68th minute to draw the Galaxy even.
Real weren’t able to score the much-needed goal in the final 20 minutes plus stoppage time, remaining below the playoff line with the shared points.
To make matters worse, the Galaxy clinched a playoff berth with the result.
Playoff chances
RSL now sits eighth in the Western Conference with just one match remaining.
They’ll need some help to reach the postseason as well as a win on Decision Day, which Trey Fitz-Gerald breaks down here.
With tonight’s result, #RSL path to #MLSCupPlayoffs is:
RSL win vs Portland
Portland draw or loss vs LAFC, loss to RSL
Or#DaleReal win vs Portland
Minnesota loss to Vancouver
— Trey Fitz-Gerald (@3FitzSLC) October 2, 2022
The last hurrah
Tonight was the final time that the tandem of David James and Brian Dunseth called a Real Salt Lake match on KMYU.
With MLS signing an exclusive deal with Apple TV+, there will be no local broadcasts for any club beginning next season.
Up next
RSL will now face Portland at home on Decision Day. All MLS matches for the day kick off simultaneously, So Real will have to scoreboard watch and hope they can get the help required as well as a win of their own to sneak into the playoffs.
The match will take place at America First Field on Sunday, Oct. 9 at 3 p.m. The game can be seen on KMYU and through the KSL TV app.
