RSL Claims Day of the Dead Match

[Stucki]

Real Salt Lake met Chivas USA in an expansion "grudge match" on Friday to settle the season series that finished with each team winning at home. The two teams played hard, with both teams playing all of their healthy regulars, but the tone of the game was much different than the last time the two teams met at Rice Eccles in the August heat. Tonight's match reflected the weather, which was chilly and overcast. The cold conditions and wet turf seemed to impact the flow of the game as both teams managed only seven shots each.

The first half ended without a goal with Chivas looking like the more dangerous side with Matt Taylor just wide in the 9th minute being the most dangerous chance. Although Francisco Palencia created chances that forced the RSL defense into great plays to keep Chivas off the board.

The games only goal game in the 60th minute when RSL rookie Jamie Watson chipped substitute keeper Sergio Garcia who had come off his line. Watson's goal was assisted by Clint Mathis and Kenny Cutler.

Mathis just missed a chance to add to the RSL lead in the 78th minute when he clanged a free kick off the woodwork.

Chivas had a chance to equalize in the 86th minute, but Orlando Perez couldn't finish a through ball from Palencia.

[Jim Umber]

Good report, Stucki. :signrocko

[prk166]

Giddy up!