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LAFC Vs Real Salt Lake: 3 things we learned – Walker Zimmerman’s must-see stunner takes LA by storm

By Daniel Garza

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 23: Walker Zimmerman #25 of Los Angeles FC celebrates his game winning goal during Los Angeles FC's MLS match against Real Salt Lake at the Banc of California Stadium on March 23, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. Los Angeles FC won the match 2-1 (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 23: Walker Zimmerman #25 of Los Angeles FC celebrates his game winning goal during Los Angeles FC's MLS match against Real Salt Lake at the Banc of California Stadium on March 23, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. Los Angeles FC won the match 2-1 (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 23: Justin Portillo #43 of Real Salt Lake receives a red card during Los Angeles FC’s MLS match against Real Salt Lake at the Banc of California Stadium on March 23, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. Los Angeles FC won the match 2-1 (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 23: Justin Portillo #43 of Real Salt Lake receives a red card during Los Angeles FC’s MLS match against Real Salt Lake at the Banc of California Stadium on March 23, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. Los Angeles FC won the match 2-1 (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images) /

2. Real Salt Lake’s bad luck continues

The last two matches have gone horribly wrong for Real Salt Lake. A 5-1 thrashing against D.C. United last week saw the Utah club finish with nine-men. And this week, they saw another red card at the worst possible time.

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This match seemed destined to end in a draw. Real Salt Lake had been keeping LAFC at bay despite being out-possessed and outshot. However, Justin Portillo’s 84th-minute high elbow on Diego Rossi completely changed the complexion of the match. From there on out, RSL was on the defensive and LAFC spent the next 10 minutes on the attack.

Another point of discussion was the disallowed goal by Sebastian Saucedo in the second half. It appeared the defender got a touch on the initial pass, which can be a deciding factor in allowing a goal even if a player is in an offside position. This will not sit well with the Real Salt Lake supporters. And they might just have a point.

The main talking point here is how a lack of discipline has now cost Mike Petke’s side two weeks in a row. The odd week will be lost because of ill-discipline and bad luck, but two weeks in succession suggests a concerning trend. RSL is doing themselves no favors.

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