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Sandy • In his short few years with Real Salt Lake, Alvaro Saborio has provided plenty of highlights.
The Costa Rican forward has also had his share of criticism and some self-imposed lowlights. He can be moody.
But when Saborio is in the right frame of mind, like he was during Saturday's 2-1 victory against New England, he creates magic.
After going goalless for four games, Saborio popped two scores by Revolution goalkeeper Matt Reis. Had it not been for Reis' quick reactions, Saborio may have had a real night to remember.
"Good thing I don't listen to the fans," RSL coach Jason Kreis said. "Alvaro for me, one thing that has stayed consistent, he has worked hard. And that's what I ask.
"It doesn't always matter to me if the forwards don't score goals. I don't think they have to for us to be a successful team."
Of course, it doesn't hurt the cause when Saborio has a night like Saturday, one in which he doubled his goal total.
Saborio's last goal came April 7 against Colorado. Last season, he had a team-high 13 goals in all competitions.
"I had two," Saborio said. "The two goals helped the team win. We created a lot of chances."
Saborio and Fabian Espindola, who celebrated the birth of his son on Friday, were dangerous from the opening kick.
A minute of play hadn't elapsed when Saborio found himself one on one against Reis in the box. The same thing happened in the 79th minute.
"I felt like we were close to getting that third one," RSL midfielder Kyle Beckerman said. "[The Revolution] fought hard and are a much improved team. The keeper made some great saves."
Espindola's opportunity to score in honor of his newborn came to an end in the 63rd minute, moments after RSL midfielder Will Johnson earned a red card.
Kreis, who brought on Jonny Steele for Espindola in a tactical move, was pleased with his forwards.
"Whan Alvaro and Fabian work hard defensively, that leads to clear cut scoring chances from other players. And I know it is a matter of time before he scores goals."
Twitter: @tribmarty —
Sabo's twofer
RSL forward Alvaro Saborio scored for the first time since April 7 against Colorado.
With two goals Saturday, Saborio takes the team lead with four scores.
Saborio led RSL with 13 goals in all competitions in 2011.