Real Salt Lake’s struggles continued after the 5-1 loss to Houston Wednesday, as FC Dallas ran wild on their way to a 6-2 victory.
Following Wednesday’s humiliating 5-1 loss to the Houston Dynamo, it seemed like things couldn’t get any worse. It only took FC Dallas 45 minutes to prove that wrong. Dallas pumped five goals past RSL in the first half, an MLS record, on their way to a 6-2 final. Real now has a short break before taking on the Sacramento Republic in the Open Cup on June 14.
..@FCDallas is the first team ever to score five goals in the first half of an @MLS game.
— Paul Carr (@PaulCarr) June 4, 2017
Match Recap
Thing quickly got out of hand in this one. Real gave up their usual early goal, this time in the eighth minute. Dallas kept up the pressure, and just 14 minutes later they scored again. Then again. Then again, and once more just before halftime to bring the total to five. RSL looked disorganized, disinterested, and disengaged once again, save a few bright spots.
The team came out much better in an already decided second half and were able to pull back two goals before giving up one last score to Dallas as 16-year-old Jesus Ferreira scored in his professional debut.
Post Match
"They are going to be fighting like dogs for positions because it's not good enough." pic.twitter.com/jMmRk3j0YV
— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) June 4, 2017
While the match couldn’t end soon enough, fans who stayed tuned to the broadcast witnessed a visibly frustrated head coach Mike Petke share his disbelief in the team’s performance. He went on to question their commitment and gave the team a warning.
"We have a break now. I made it very clear to the guys; go enjoy yourself, you need a break. I advised them to workout during their break because when they get back, and we have the Under-20 and injured boys back, they are going to be fighting like dogs for positions because it’s not good enough. It’s not good enough individually, collectively, from key players in key positions, not talking about everybody on the field, but I’m at a point now where I can’t protect people anymore. I’ve never been through something like this. It’s blowing my mind, but perhaps this is the right time for a break. When we get back, it’s going to be fun to watch them fight like dogs to get on that field."
The Summer Transfer Window opens on July 10th, roughly just a month after the club returns to regular season play. The u-20’s lost in extra time to Venezuela Sunday morning, meaning their tournament time is officially over.
Next: Get To Know Seattle's New Starting Forward
Despite RSL’s struggles, they are only five points out of the playoffs and should have a full strength squad available to also make an Open Cup run. The team’s chances could even be improved after some roster changes. Stay tuned…