Closed Revolution at Real Salt Lake

SANDY, Utah – The New England Revolution (8-15-2; 26 points) fell on the road to Real Salt Lake (13-6-8; 47 points), 2-0, at America First Field on Saturday night. Revolution goalkeeper Aljaž Ivačič put in an impressive performance, highlighted by six first-half saves, but the hosts scored a goal either side of the break to claim all three points.

The first half featured an outstanding performance from Ivačič in his 16th MLS start for the club. In the ninth minute, the Slovenian got down low to deny Lachlan Brook’s low shot, the first big chance of the game. Ivačič rose again with a spectacular double save in the 24th minute, parrying two shots from close range to keep RSL off the board, before making another crucial stop in the 30th minute to keep the scores level.

Emmanuel Boateng almost put the Revolution in front just after half an hour. Carles Gil’s corner kick was flicked on to the back post by Matt Polster, where Boateng was waiting to tap home. However, a last-ditch effort from the Salt Lake defense prevented the chance. Despite Ivačič’s early heroics, RSL forward Anderson Julio put the hosts ahead with the opener just before the break.

Salt Lake continued to threaten in the second half, scoring their second goal in the 56th minute through Philip Quinton, whose shot deflected off Nick Lima and into the net. Caleb Porter made a number of substitutions to provide an attacking spark, with Giacomo Vrioni and Ian Harkes coming on at the break before Dylan Borrero and Luca Langoni came on in quick succession. For Langoni, it was the Argentinian’s second appearance with the club.