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Seattle Sounders Vs Real Salt Lake: 3 things we learned – Brian Schmetzer wins tactical battle

By Chris Smith

SEATTLE, WA - OCTOBER 23: Seattle Sounders midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro (10) celebrates his 2nd half goal with forward Raul Ruidiaz (9) during a MLS Western Conference semifinal match between the Seattle Sounders and Real Salt Lake on October 23, 2019, at Century Link Field in Seattle, WA. (Photo by Jeff Halstead/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - OCTOBER 23: Seattle Sounders midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro (10) celebrates his 2nd half goal with forward Raul Ruidiaz (9) during a MLS Western Conference semifinal match between the Seattle Sounders and Real Salt Lake on October 23, 2019, at Century Link Field in Seattle, WA. (Photo by Jeff Halstead/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – SEPTEMBER 11 : Nick Rimando #18 of Real Salt Lake waves to the crowd during warmups before their game against the San Jose Earthquakes at Rio Tinto Stadium on September 11, 2019 in Sandy, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – SEPTEMBER 11 : Nick Rimando #18 of Real Salt Lake waves to the crowd during warmups before their game against the San Jose Earthquakes at Rio Tinto Stadium on September 11, 2019 in Sandy, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images) /

2. Rimando goes down fighting

He had his big send-off at the end of the regular season, but we’ve all been wondering how long Nick Rimando’s career would continue ticking on for during the playoffs.

The Eastern Conference semi-finals are as far as Real Salt Lake got. They are also the end of the road for Rimando, who finally brings the curtain down on an incredible 19-year career between the sticks.

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‘I would argue that he’s the goalkeeper of MLS in terms of what he’s done and how long he’s done it,’ Seattle Sounders stopper Stefan Frei said of Rimando ahead of Wednesday’s clash. And the 40-year-old embodied that sentiment throughout the match.

Had it not been for some top quality Rimando goalkeeping, RSL could have found themselves without a prayer on a number of occasions during this match. Juarez got his tactics right but, even so, when bunkering, you will concede chances at some point and it is down to your goalkeeper — or some last-ditch defending — to bail you out of those situations.

Rimando made a total of seven saves in his final career appearances, a fitting way to go out for one of the best shot-stoppers we’ve ever seen in MLS. He was terrific on Wednesday night. It is just a shame it wasn’t enough for RSL.

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