Real Salt Lake will be looking to buck a recent trned when they next take the field on Saturday against Toronto FC this Saturday.
For the second straight game, Real Salt Lake faced adversity in the first half, gave up a stoppage time goal before the break, but turned around showed resiliency down the stretch. This time, at FC Dallas, they managed to get a point for their troubles, coming from behind to earn a 1-1 draw.
HIGHLIGHTS: DAL 1, RSL 1
“It’s the second week in a row that we’re in a really tough spot,” lamented RSL head coach Jason Kreis. “We get scored on right before halftime.”
Against San Jose last weekend they saw Fabian Espindola sent off with a red card in the first half, and then allowed a goal just before the halftime whistle. They eventually fought back in that one with a second half equalizer, before a second ejection – to center back Jamison Olave – eventually left their defense weakened and unable to hold off the Earthquakes attack, which powered its way to a 3-1 win in stoppage time.
This time, RSL saw defender Tony Beltran whistled for a controversial handball which allowed Brek Shea to convert from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time. However, the squad was able to gather their wits during the break.
“We regrouped at halftime,” said Will Johnson. “We changed a few things tactically. We pushed a few guys higher. Jason [Kreis] deserves a lot of credit for that. We got rewarded with a goal and some opportunities to try and win the game.”
Tactical adjustments or not, Kreis wasn’t completely satisfied with the results despite his squad’s recently demonstrated resiliency, and despite a second-half equalizer from rookie Emiliano Bonfigli.
“I’m pleased with the point but I wanted all three,” explained Kreis. “We’re pleased that we get a result. We’re pleased that we don’t lose our third game in a row, but I think with a little bit more, and a little bit better we walk out of here with all three.”
He’s hoping that his squad will put it all together and show a more consistent effort throughout this coming match against Toronto FC.
“We’re pleased with both of the second half responses in our last two matches,” said Kreis. “We’ll see if we can’t stretch that 45 minute [effort] into 90 this weekend.”
