Photo Credit Portland Timbers FC
Despite local Real Salt Lake dominating in both halves in possession and overall shots, in the end their scoring drought continued, delivering another defensive gem but only managing to share points against the Portland Timbers. The match was delayed nearly two hours due to lightning.
As Salt Lake (3-6-3, 12 points) has gone 370 minutes without scoring a single goal, although they have posted three draws in that expanse. They simply managed to scored just two goals in nine matches either losing or drawing in the campaign.
Portland (4-5-4, 16 points) earned their third shutout of the season and its first since March, as goalkeeper Aljaz Ivacic earned his first shutout by making four saves in the game. Despite their firepower, the Timbers came up short on offense after their last performance on Saturday and scoring 12 goals in the previous five matches.
RSL’s Zac MacMath made four saves in what appeared to be near goals and earning his third shutout of the season. In this match, defense ruled and in a match that was considered a rematch that didn’t have any of the elements of the previous match–a 4-3 RSL win at Providence Park. In tonight’s game, defense ruled the entire match.
Salt Lake ended the night with an edge in total shots over Portland, 17-10, in addition of having a lengthy possession in both halves with a roaring 60.4 percent and a number of chances at goal missed.
RSL’s Andres Gomez in the 11th minute had an opportunity, but striking the right post advancing away. Justen Glad blasted a left foot shoot from the center of the box in the 45th minute, as Ivacic parried the ball away preventing a would-be goal.
Once again, Ivacic rose to the occasion by denying Justen Glad another opportunity to score in the 71st minute. Portland almost put itself on the scoreboard via Dairon Aspirilla on a takeaway and with a right foot shoot of the left post being very close to scoring the difference maker.
Goals
Scoreless draw
Man of the Match
Aljaz Ivacic
Next Match
Saturday May 20,2023 Minnesota United at Providence Park KO 7:30 PM PST
Portland Timbers
