Real Salt Lake earned a hard-fought 1-0 win over Columbus Crew SC at Rio Tinto Stadium on Wednesday night, taking them above the playoff line.
Sam Johnson got the game's lone goal in the 38th minute, finding himself behind the Crew defense after a booming clearance from Aaron Herrera inside his own 18-yard box. Johnson raced past two Columbus defenders and clinically finished a bouncing ball into the bottom corner.
Earlier in the first half, there was a lengthy delay for Video Review on a potential penalty kick after Nick Rimando appeared to make contact with JJ Williams. The result of the review was no penalty. Columbus found most of their chances off dangerous set pieces, though couldn't find the back of the net. They have now lost 13 of their last 15 matches.
Crew Homegrown center back Aboubacar Keita made his MLS debut, going the full 90 minutes on Wednesday. He starred for the US side at the U-20 World Cup.
Goals
- 38’ — RSL — Sam Johnson | WATCH
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: Real Salt Lake have put together a little unbeaten streak, with two wins and a draw in their last three. As the playoff races heats up for spots 4-7 in the West, every point counts.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: The quickest way to get from one goal to the other is one direct kick, right?
- MAN OF THE MATCH: He didn't get a goal or an assist, but Albert Rusnak delivered another classy performance and would have found the back of the net if not for that pesky post.
Next up
- RSL: Saturday, July 6 at San Jose Earthquakes (10:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US, on DAZN in Canada)
- CLB: Saturday, July 6 vs. Seattle Sounders (7:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US, on DAZN in Canada)
