Albert Rusnak had a goal and an assist to help lead Real Salt Lake to a much-needed 2-1 win over New York City to snap a four-match losing streak at Rio Tinto Stadium Wednesday night.
Sean Okoli capitalized on a Real Salt Lake turnover to score his first MLS goal on four minutes, bursting into the box to split a pair of defenders before finishing low inside the far post to give the visitors the early lead.
Rusnak leveled late in the first half, taking a touch after receiving a diagonal ball from Jefferson Savarino and blasting a left-footed shot into the side netting for his third goal of the season.
Rusnak then played provider, placing a corner just outside the six-yard box where Aaron Maund latched onto it and headed in the go-ahead goal for RSL on 51 minutes.
Goals
Three Things
- HOME COOKING, MEDIUM RARE: Once a fortress for RSL, Rio Tinto has been the site of disappointment rather than wins more often than not lately. But Real Salt Lake battled adverse weather conditions, and an early deficit, to claim all three points at home for just the second time in the last 10 games in Sandy. The other win was a 3-0 result over Vancouver Whitecaps FC on April 8. Rusnak scored in the snow in that night as well.
- RIMANDO THE RECORD BREAKER: It wasn't just a victorious night for Nick Rimando, it was also a record-breaking one. In the 15th minute, he made his 1,475th career save, surpassing Kevin Hartman atop MLS all-time list. He had five saves on the night.
- A LONG TIME COMING: When Maund leapt up to meet a Rusnak cross and head in what proved to be the winner in the 51st minute, he looked like someone who has done this kind of thing before. He has, but it's been a while. How long? You have to go back to August 1, 2015 when the centerback struck in a wild 6-4 loss to D.C. United.
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