MLS Western Conference tie saw Colorado Rapids edged past Real Salt Lake at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, according to Fox Sports. The Rapids started the match on a high note and in the process, they scored the opener thanks to a Joshua Gatt's 3rd-minute finish from close range. Afterward, the visiting Real Salt Lake began piling up all kinds of pressure on Colorado's defense, setting up goal chances, but they were unable to find the back of the net. RSL out-shot Rapids 30-2 while maintaining 74 percent of the possession without conceding the equalizer throughout the match.
Despite winning the encounter, Colorado Rapids remain tenth with 33 points. RSL is eighth with 42 points. Here's an analysis of the match.
Colorado Rapids outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - Tim Howard (9.00). Defender Marlon Hairston (7.31), Kortne Ford (7.52), Axel Sjoberg (7.84), Eric Miller (7.13). Midfielder - Bismark Boateng (6.68), Mohammed Saeid (6.83), Joshua Gatt (7.13), Stefan Aigner (six points), Dominique Badji (6.34). Forward - Alan Gordon (7.29). Used substitutes - Dillon Serna (6.30), Mike da Fonte (6.28), Bobby Burling (6.22).
Team's strength and weakness: Rapids often lost possession, gave away free kicks within their box, and they were regularly caught offside.
Style of play: Steve Cooke's men held possession on Real Salt Lake's half and attacked through the center midfield. In addition to these, they favored long shots and long crosses.
Real Salt Lake outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - Nick Rimando (5.77). Defender - Tony Beltran (6.21), David Horst (6.52), Justen Glad (6.20), Danilo Acosta (6.60).
Midfielder - Kyle Beckerman (6.68), Luke Mulholland (6.68), Joao Plata (6.50), Albert Rusnák (7.46), Brooks Lennon (6.52). Forward - Luis Silva (six points). Used substitutes - Demar Phillips (6.88), Sebastián Saucedo (six points).
Team's strength and weakness: Mike Petke's side created chances through individual efforts, both flanks, set pieces and long shots.
However, RSL were just too weak at finishing.
Style of play: RSL played with width, attacked through the right side and favored long balls.
Who's the most performed player?
Tim Howard's saves were fantastic and superlative. For the rest of the match, Rapids absorbed pressure in their box, but they couldn't concede any goal thanks to the American brilliant saves that denied RSL a goal.
Upcoming matches for both teams
In their final matches of the MLS regular season, Seattle Sounders will welcome Colorado Rapids on Sunday 22 October, while Real Salt Lake return to home action when they take on Sporting Kansas City the same day.
