Two Western Conference teams in terrific form and looking to break through to the group of contenders faced off on Saturday, with Real Salt Lake and Minnesota United playing to a 1-1 draw at Rio Tinto Stadium.
Minnesota entered the game on a four-game winning streak in league play, best in MLS, while RSL had won three of their last four coming in. But the teams were well-matched and neither could find a lead at the final whistle.
The teams sniffed for an opening in the first half, but nothing doing, as neither side posted a shot on target in the first 45. The first shot on goal came a minute into the second half, as Jefferson Savarino's curling attempt was pushed away by Minnesota goalkeeper Vito Mannone.
The Loons found the breakthrough just before the hour mark, Darwin Quintero scoring a header on the doorstep off a corner kick. The Colombian was onside because an RSL defender was posted on the opposite post to try and defend the set piece.
But RSL dug deep and found a goal of their own off a corner kick, with center back Marcelo Silva hitting a beautiful scissor kick from a cross by Savarino.
Jan Gregus had a chance to win the game in the dying minutes, but his inside curler clanged off the post, and Nick Rimando was able to recover and grab hold of the ball.
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Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: Both teams will likely be disappointed they couldn't grab full control of the game and get a win, but with games piling up on both sides, a tight draw played between two teams is a solid result. RSL move above the playoff line ahead of their Leagues Cup clash against Liga MX titans Tigres on Wednesday.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Silva had been in the middle of the action on the defensive end, but he made his biggest impact on the attacking side with a wicked finish.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: Hassani Dotson made way for Romain Metanire at right back, but in relief of the injured Ozzie Alonso, the rookie's shift in central midfield was an assured and impressive performance.
Next Up
- RSL: Wednesday, July 24 vs. Tigres UANL (10:30 pm ET | ESPN+, TUDN in US; TSN GO in Canada) | Leagues Cup
- MIN: Saturday, July 27 vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC (8 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US; TSN in Canada)
