The First Victory in CONCACAF
Real Salt Lake defeated Tauro FC of Panama 2-0 in CONCACAF Champions League play at Rio Tinto Stadium Tuesday night.
Salt Lake showed their ambition to win by coming out strong offensively and defensively in the first half. Paulo Jr. had a good run at the goal in the first minutes of play and was able to put the ball across the box but no one was there to receive. The ball went out for a goal kick. In the 14th minute of play, Paulo Jr. had a decent shot on goal but was unable to get it on frame.
In the 16th minute of play, Salt Lake had a legitimate chance for a goal. A shot from Alvaro Saborio was deflected by the defense but shot out over the net for a Salt Lake corner kick. In the 33rd minute of play, Morales sent a cross to Saborio which he headed toward the goal. The Panamanian goalkeeper made one of his four fantastic first half saves to keep the match level.
On a similar play, Ned Grabavoy hit the left post in the 36th minute. This capped a frustrating first half for Real Salt Lake where the team was unable to finish even though they dominated the run of play.
Salt Lake broke through in the 48th minute when Paulo Jr. drove into the box and fired on goal. The defense was able to make a save, but the ball fell to Saborio who does not miss from that range.
Kyle Beckerman scored Salt Lake’s second goal in the 58th minute of play when he put the ball into the bottom right corner of the Panamanian goal. He was able to deflect the ball from his right side to his left and shoot it down a clean alley.
Kyle Beckerman received a red card in the 72nd minute of play for dangerous play. Salt Lake would play one man down for the rest of the match, although Tauro was only able to muster one shot on goal after the ejection.
Category: Game Review
