Real Salt Lake 1, New York Red Bulls 0 | 2018 MLS Match Recap

Real Salt Lake bounced back from their disappointing home opener last week, defeating the New York Red Bulls 1-0 on Saturday night at a snowy Rio Tinto Stadium.

RSL got the lead early, as Carlos Rivas was called for a foul on David Horst in New York's box that was deemed a penalty after Video Review. Albert Rusnak notched the penalty for the home side.

But New York, heavily rotating the lineup once again after midweek Concacaf Champions League play, were up to the task and largely dominated the statistical categories throughout. Without the efforts of Nick Rimando and RSL's defense, RSL would not have picked up all three points.

Goals

4' - RSL - Albert Rusnak (PK) | WATCH

Three Things

The Big Picture: It wasn't a vintage performance, but with their first win of the season RSL showed their blowout loss to LAFC last week was probably a fluke. For the Red Bulls, giving up the early penalty is going to sting, especially considering how well they played with a reserve-heavy lineup.

Moment of the Match: The penalty was the difference in the game, as Rivas' foul on Horst proved to be a mistake that cost the Red Bulls points on the night.

Man of the Match
: After Rusnak put RSL ahead, Rimando stood on his head to preserve the lead. He made four saves, but two were of the spectacular variety, showing the kids the 38-year-old still has it.

That's a very good save by Rimando pic.twitter.com/U1IAnYQPWc
— Total MLS (@TotalMLS) March 18, 2018

Next Up

Real Salt Lake: Friday, March 30 at Toronto FC (8 pm ET | MLS Live in US; TSN in Canada - Full TV & Streaming Info)
New York Red Bulls: Saturday, March 24 vs. Minnesota United FC (7 pm ET | MLS Live - Full TV & Streaming Info)

Alicia Rodriguez -

@SoccerMusings