New York @ Real Salt Lake (Top 5 Games)

I normally wouldn't post my opinion of the game until Monday or Tuesday, but I just had to do this. On my way to the game, my RSL comrades and I were chatting about what the biggest games in RSL history were. Well, we got a top 5 gem tonight. So, I decided to choose my top 5 biggest RSL games ever.

5. Red Bull New York at Real Salt Lake - May 5, 2007 - 3 : 3
RSL battle back from an early 2-0 deficit to a 3-3 draw in new coach Jason Kreis' first game at the reins, scoring in the 90th and 92+ minutes by Cunningham and C. Brown to win a point against the previously unscored upon in 4 games top team in the league.

Goal Summary:

New York
Richards (Mathis) 12'
Mathis (van den Bergh) 28'
Mathis (Kovalenko, Reyna) 83'

Salt Lake
Klein (unassisted) 61'
Cunningham (penalty kick) 90'
C. Brown (Adu) 92+'


4. FC Dallas at Real Salt Lake - September 16, 2006 - 2 : 3
Down a man after 28 minutes, (Talley was sent off) with the score knotted at one apiece, RSL gave up a goal Carlos Ruiz goal near halftime, and hopes dimmed for those in Rice-Eccles Stadium. But coming on from the second half, Klein scored for RSL at the 62nd minute, soon to be followed by a Kreis game-winner ten minutes later. RSL came back from a goal a man down to win.

Goal Summary:

Dallas
Ruiz (O'Brien, Thompson) 4'
Ruiz (Thompson) 46+'

Salt Lake
Williams (unassisted) 13'
Klein (Williams) 62'
Kreis (Harris, Klein) 72'


3. DC United at Real Salt Lake - July 29, 2006 - 1 : 2
RSL end DC's 14-game unbeaten streak in stunning fashion in front of over 20,000 fans in Rice-Eccles Stadium. Coming into this game, DC is undebatebly the top team in the league, with a 14-game unbeaten streak, and topping the Eastern Conference. Moreno scores for DC in the 36th minute, but RSL wins two PKs in the 90th and 96th minute to win 2-1.

Goal Summary:

DC United
Moreno (Gros, Gomez) 36'

Salt Lake
Cunningham (penalty kick) 90'
Cunningham (penalty kick) 96+'


2. Real Salt Lake at Los Angeles Galaxy - May 3, 2006 - 3 : 0
Real finally win a game on the road, winning a decisive game with Los Angeles. After starting the season 0-5-1, this game was the turning point to make a competitive season, and not another 2005. Cunningham scored a brace as a second half sub.

Goal Summary:

Salt Lake
Harris (Talley) 17'
Cunningham (Talley, Klein) 72'
Cunningham (Kreis, Klein) 87'

Los Angeles
No Goals Scored


1. Colorado cRapids at Real Salt Lake - April 16, 2005 - 0 : 1
What could be bigger than the franchise's first ever win? Nothing, by my count. RSL come out and dazzle 25,000+ fans in Salt Lake for their first taste of MLS Soccer. Dunseth scores as time is running out to win the home opener. This is what jump-started RSL huge fan base, arguably the best in the league.

Goal Summary:

Colorado
No Goals Scored

Salt Lake
Dunseth (Mathis) 81'


Email me at rslnerd@gmail.com.