Real Salt Lake ended its preseason preparations with a 3-1 loss to USL Championship side Phoenix Rising FC in the Visit Tucson Sun Cup on Saturday
Damir Kreilach scored an early goal for RSL, but the MLS side would concede three times after that, rendering a late tally from recently signed winger Justin Meram a moot point.
The match got off to a good start for Salt Lake, as Kreilach netted just 11 minutes into the contest.
But Phoenix quickly found an equalizer in short order with a goal from Joe Farrell coming just seven minutes after Kreilach's, pulling the USL side level.
Phoenix then took the lead five minutes before halftime, as Solomon Asante scored on a play that started with a throw in from Owusu-Ansah Kontoh.
Phoenix picked up from where they left off in the first half, adding to their lead with a goal from Jon Bakero in the 57th minute.
RSL had opportunities to get back in it, and eventually converted with a goal from Meram in the 89th minute, but the match would end 3-2. RSL wraps up an inconsistent preseason with a record of 0W-2L-1T.
Goals
- 11' - RSL - Damir Kreilach
- 19' - PHX - Joe Farrell
- 40' - PHX - Solomon Asante
- 57' - PHX - Jon Bakero
- 89' - RSL - Justin Meram
Lineups
Real Salt Lake starting XI: Zac MacMath; Justen Glad, Aaron Herrera, Nedum Onuoha, Marcelo Silva, Donny Toia; Kyle Beckerman, Damir Kreilach, Justin Portillo, Albert Rusnak; Tate Schmitt
Phoenix Rising FC starting XI: Zac Lubin; Owusu-Ansah Kontoh, A.J. Cochran, Joe Farrell, Darnell King; Kevon Lambert, Jose Aguinaga, Solomon Asante; Jon Bakero, Santi Moar, Rufat Dadashov
Next Up
- RSL: Saturday, February 29 at Orlando City SC (6 pm ET)
