Facing Austin FC on the road in the first round of the playoffs, Real Salt Lake looked to continue its Cinderella run from last year’s postseason.
It seemed early on that RSL was about to add another upset playoff win to its list, when Sergio Cordova scored in just the third minute.
and that my friends is how you start an #MLSCupPlayoffs game pic.twitter.com/oMq279M5HU
— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) October 16, 2022
Things got even better for Real when Austin was called for a handball in the box, giving RSL a chance to double its lead from the penalty spot. Cordova stepped up and slotted in the penalty for the 2-0 lead in the 15th minute, leaving the home crowd stunned.
That guy Sergio Cordova pic.twitter.com/LVq4dFMORy
— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) October 16, 2022
Austin pulled one back at the half-hour mark, but RSL still went to halftime with a one-goal advantage.
Seemingly in control, things all of the sudden turned bleak for the visitors.
In the 53rd minute, Rubio Rubin picked up his second yellow card offense of the match, giving him a red card and sending RSL down a man.
Despite this, Real held firm, only to get an unlucky bounce in the dying moments of the game. RSL was called for a handball in the box, giving Austin a lifeline.
The home side took advantage, scoring to make it 2-2 and send the match to extra time. After a scoreless half hour, the match went to a penalty kick shootout.
Unlike last season, however, Salt Lake was unable to pull off the stunner, losing 3-1 on penalties after a poorly taken kick was blocked and RSL sent another spot kick into the stands.
Thoughts
This was a tough one to swallow.
Being up 2-0 on the road, Real Salt Lake had all the chances in the world to perform another upset.
Instead, a poor decision by Rubin, an unlucky bounce, and some poorly taken penalties have ended the season.
After a hot start in the first half of the campaign, the second half was less than stellar. Injuries also contributed to the downfall, as did the lack of signings in the summer window.
Let’s hope everyone is back and healthy for next season and that RSL adds new players to bolster the squad. Real has what it takes to reach the playoffs, but the MLS Cup should be the ultimate goal.
