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Real Salt Lake: Initial Reaction and Player Grades vs. Toronto FC

By Jordan Jacobsen

Mar 4, 2017; Sandy, UT, USA; A general view of Rio Tinto Stadium during the first half of the match between Real Salt Lake and Toronto FC, which ended in a scoreless draw. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Sandy, UT, USA; A general view of Rio Tinto Stadium during the first half of the match between Real Salt Lake and Toronto FC, which ended in a scoreless draw. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 4, 2017; Sandy, UT, USA; A general view of Rio Tinto Stadium during the first half of the match between Real Salt Lake and Toronto FC, which ended in a scoreless draw. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Sandy, UT, USA; A general view of Rio Tinto Stadium during the first half of the match between Real Salt Lake and Toronto FC, which ended in a scoreless draw. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

Real Salt Lake and Toronto FC opened the MSL season with a scoreless draw at Rio Tinto. RSL remains undefeated all time in home openers.

Real Salt Lake opened up MLS play with a 0-0 draw in front of a great crowd on a beautiful day at Rio Tinto. RSL defenders Aaron Maund and Demar Phillips both missed the contest with hamstring injuries. Brooks Lennon, Justen Glad, Sebastian Saucedo, and Danilo Acosta are all still with the US U-20s for World Cup Qualifying.

Recap

Real started a bit slow, as Toronto had plenty of chances early and often. Following a handful of shots from distance, a defensive miscue between Schuler and Horst on a throw in led to Altidore being left one vs one against Rimando, who saved Jozy’s attempt to chip it over him. A few minutes later Rimando was called on again, saving a penalty kick from Giovinco to keep it scoreless.

Following the saved PK, RSL seemed to come alive. Rusnák had an attempt from distance just slip by the far post,. Moments later Yura would find Plata in front of the net, but a great defensively play would keep Plata from scoring.

A sloppy and physical second half saw plenty of chances for both sides. RSL’s best look came from a chipped ball to an open Plata from Kyle Beckerman, which Plata mishit over crossbar. Poor passing from the RSL attack led to several chances late for TFC, who were unable to capitalize.

Reaction

Not necessarily a bad first game for RSL, but a lot left to be desired. The injuries to Maund and Phillips along with the absences of Glad and Acosta tested the depth for the back-line. Definitely not the preferred way to start the year. Holding arguably the most potent attack in the league scoreless is no small feat, however. The pairing of Schuler and Horst looked very solid for the most part, save a few miscues.

Despite major question marks about the defense, the attack was where the team struggled the most. The lack of goals is discouraging, but the team did create several good looks in both halves. TFC will likely beat most teams they play this year, so earning a point against them could help in the long run. RSL remains undefeated all-time in home openers, but in order to push for a playoff spot the club will need all three points in most of their appearances at the RioT.

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