Real Salt Lake defeated the Portland Timbers, 1-0, on MLS Matchday 25 in the Rose City, the Claret-and-Cobalt notching its third consecutive win and stretching its unbeaten run to a season-high five games, taking 13 of a possible 15 points with four wins and one draw. The very rare road win in Portland was accomplished in great part due to two players who’ve gained much-needed confidence in the past month—Diogo Gonçalves and Noel Caliskan. The midweek Western Conference matchup proved to be a difficult challenge for an RSL side that arrived with the pressure of continuing its incredible summer run so far, confident though that the sheer grit and resilience Head Coach Pablo Mastroeni often mentions would be able to deliver an important result as the postseason hunt continues.
Late Goal Lifts RSL
Gonçalves’ performance on Wednesday night proved why RSL scouts were so keen to bring him to the Club last summer. Despite facing a tough Portland side that kept a consistent shape in the defensive end, the Portuguese DP never wavered in his attempts to create goal-scoring opportunities. During a cagey first half, he often dropped deeper toward midfield, using his vision to push play forward and set up his teammates in attacking positions.
The second half cleared up considerably for RSL and Gonçalves on the attacking end. As spaces opened up in the final third, the team was able to fire off shots, but were rarely able to put the rival goalkeeper under much discomfort. Only minutes before the game opened up on the scoresheet, the number ‘10’ had an opportunity on goal that was denied and pushed wide by the Portland shot-stopper.
It wasn’t until the 83rd minute that RSL finally broke the deadlock, thanks to brilliant link-up play between FW Ariath Piol - who had only come on 10 minutes earlier - and Gonçalves. The Australian forward received the ball at the top of the 18-yard box, pivoted to his right and laid it off to the Portuguese striker, who rifled a shot past the goalkeeper. The effort proved decisive, securing a crucial win for RSL and boosting the confidence of a player who continues to improve week after week.
Poise and Precision in the Midfield
Another pivotal piece of this victory was former Portland draftee Noel Caliskan, who made a return to the first club he played for in the MLS. The German-born midfielder stepped into his natural pivot role alongside Pablo Ruiz, replacing Paraguayan Braian Ojeda, who missed the match due to yellow card accumulation.
Caliskan proved to be a valuable asset on both ends of the pitch, contributing effectively in defense and attack. On the defensive end, he often served as a fifth defender to thwart any incoming attacks from Portland. He had his hands full in the first half, temporarily taking over the centerback position after Justen Glad was forced to leave the pitch for a few minutes after sustaining a knock on his leg. Additionally, he frequently drove RSL’s attacks upfield with a level of maturity and confidence shaped by his journey this season - from starting with the Monarchs to now making his 11th consecutive start.
Caliskan’s ball distribution was effective and precise, avoiding unforced errors and recording a season-high 94% passing accuracy against Portland. RSL also held roughly 56% possession over the 90 minutes, with much of that control stemming from the efforts of Ruiz and Caliskan in midfield.
Tonight’s victory moves RSL into 10th place with 28 points, just one spot outside of playoff qualification and two points out of seventh, with two games in hand. Under Mastroeni’s leadership, this group has proven capable of rising to the occasion against tough opponents in high-pressure situations as evidenced by ending Portland’s home unbeaten streak, which dated back to February. With five consecutive games at home coming up in both MLS and Leagues Cup action, the Claret-and-Cobalt are well-positioned to mount a serious push for the MLS Cup Playoffs - but as the players and staff firmly believe, they need to take it 90 minutes at a time.
