SANDY, Utah (Saturday, September 2, 2023) – Real Salt Lake (11-9-7, 40 points, 4th West) lifted the Rocky Mountain Cup for the 12th time in 15 years and for the 14th occasion in Club history with a 2-0 victory over regional rival Colorado Rapids. The victory was spurred by goals on either side of halftime from Colombian newcomers **Brayan Vera** and **Chicho Arango**, as well as a clean sheet from goalkeeper **Zac MacMath** and the team’s backline.
Following four consecutive losses, Real Salt Lake returned to America First Field looking for a chance to lift the Rocky Mountain Cup and rediscover its winning ways. In the early moments, RSL was quick to pressure the Rapids’ backline, creating a flurry of chances, none of which were fortunate enough to break through.
Colorado didn’t see its first chance until the 11th minute, but MacMath was able to easily push Rafael Navarro’s shot out of danger. Several minutes later, Real Salt Lake took the lead when Vera sniped a free-kick opportunity, rocketing the ball far upper corner through the diving arms of the Rapids ‘keeper with gusto.
In the final moment of first-half stoppage time, it seemed as if RSL had doubled its lead when Arango looked to have an open opportunity on goal, but a diving save from one of Colorado’s defenders blocked the shot which saw RSL enter halftime with the 1-0 lead.
Just minutes into the second half, Arango finally found his goal, connecting on a corner kick from **Maikel Chang**, rising up like a salmon to head the ball into the back of the net, taking the 2-0 lead. Forward **Anderson Julio** looked to have stolen a third goal in the 88th minute with a breakaway opportunity, but his score was called back after the sideline referee determined him to be in an offside position, leaving the team with the 2-0 victory.
UP NEXT: Real Salt Lake will enjoy a week-long international break, returning to play on Saturday, September 16, when the team travels to take on San Jose Earthquakes at PayPal Park with kickoff set for 8:30 p.m. MT. The Claret-and Cobalt will return to America First Field on Wednesday, September 20 to host FC Dallas at 7:30 p.m. MT.
GOAL-SCORING SUMMARY:
RSL: Brayan Vera 19th minute: After being awarded a free kick opportunity just outside the 18-yard-box, Vera stepped up to the ball and launched a screaming left-footed curling ball into the back of the net.
RSL: Chicho Arango (Maikel Chang) 49th minute: From a corner kick, Chang curled a ball through the 18-yard-box onto the head of Arango, who rose up above his defenders to flick a shot into the back of the net.
NOTES:
- Defender Brayan Vera’s goal in the 19th minute marked his first goal with the Claret-and-Cobalt since joining the Club in February. Additionally, he became the 100th player in RSL’s 19-year history to score a goal in Major League Soccer competitions.
- Forward Chicho Arango recorded his third league goal, and fifth across all competitions for Real Salt Lake. The goal marked his 96th professionally, now just four away from the coveted centenary.
- The clean sheet for RSL tonight was the Club’s first since a 3-0 home win over Seattle, and the 12 of the year in 36 games across all competitions (MacMath 11, Beavers 1)
- Real Salt Lake is undefeated when scoring first this season, posting a 13-0-1 mark through 14 matches, dating back to the team’s 3-1 win over San Jose Earthquakes on April 22.
- RSL retains the Rocky Mountain Cup, winning the trophy for the 14th time since 2005 and extending its record against the Rapids to 11-3-2 in all competitions since 2018.
- RSL men Jefferson Savarino (Venezuela), Braian Ojeda (Paraguay) and Kevon Lambert (Jamaica) depart Sunday for upcoming international matches
Lineups:
Real Salt Lake (4-4-2): Zac MacMath; Andrew Brody, Justen Glad, Brayan Vera, Bryan Oviedo; Maikel Chang (Rubio Rubin 59’), Nelson Palacio (Emeka Eneli 87’), Braian Ojeda, Jefferson Savarino (Diego Luna 76’); Chicho Arango (Bode Hidalgo 87’), Damir Kreilach (Anderson Julio 76’)
Subs not used: Gavin Beavers, Marcelo Silva, Andres Gomez, Jasper Löffelsend
Colorado Rapids (4-3-3): Marko Illic; Danny Wilson, Andreas Maxso, Andrew Gutuman, Steven Beitashour (Calvin Harris 65’); Sidnei Tavares, Connor Ronan (Kevon Cabral 79’), Ralph Priso (Braian Galvan 54’); Rafael Navarro, Diego Rubio (Danny Leyva 79’), Cole Bassett (Lalas Abubakar 65’)
Subs not used: Abraham Rodriguez, Sebastian Anderson, Sam Nicholson, Moise Bombito
Stats Summary: RSL / COLShots: 17 / 6
Shots on Goal: 5 / 3
Saves: 3 / 3
Corner Kicks: 8 / 4
Fouls: 13 / 21
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY:COL: Connor Roman (caution) 16’
RSL: Nelson Palacio (caution) 24’
COL: Andreas Maxso (caution) 42’
RSL: Brayan Vera (caution) 62’
COL: Lalas Abubakar (caution) 72’
