This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
On an 80 degree February day in Tucson, tempers boiled over between Real Salt Lake and reigning MLS Champion Portland Timbers in RSL's 1-0 preseason scrimmage loss.
Portland took the one goal lead only 30 seconds into the match with a score from Lucas Melano. In the 28th minute, the teams began scuffling after a pair of challenges in the midfield from Timbers defender Jermaine Taylor, which saw RSL forward Yura Movsisyan and Portland forward Jack McInerney both sent to their respective benches by the referee. McInerney put RSL midfielder Sunday Obayan in a brief headlock as the referee tried to separate the two teams.
Taylor was shown a yellow card for his role in inciting the scuffle.
Devon Sandoval replaced Movsisyan, while Ben Polk came on for the Timbers.
RSL plays next against South Korean club Seongnam FC on Sunday morning at 11 a.m.
Twitter: @BrennanJSmith