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Kansas City, Kan. • The ball rolled to his right foot, and out of the corner of his eye, Real Salt Lake midfielder Luke Mulholland saw an opening.
Mulholland described his 79th-minute strike — which gave Real Salt Lake a two-goal lead in an eventual 2-1 victory Saturday against Sporting Kansas City — in this simple of a manner.
But he's fully aware he isn't exactly known for the long-distance goals.
"I had to go for it," he said, laughing. "A bunch of players were on the right side of the goal, so when [the ball] came to me, I just tried to bend it back into a dangerous area. I was fortunate that it was able to find the back of the net, and I was delighted that I scored."
Injured Wingert can't finish match
Real Salt Lake defender Chris Wingert practiced with a protective mask on his face this week after suffering a nose fracture in Portland, but he was still able to start Saturday's match.
He wasn't able to finish it.
Wingert absorbed a Benny Feilhaber laser to the face late in the first half. Wingert lay on the grass for a few minutes after the play. He was initially able to stay in the match, but was removed for Demar Phillips early into the second half.
Real Salt Lake coach Jeff Cassar did not have an immediate update on Wingert's status after the match.
Hurting RSL running low on replacements
While Real Salt Lake was without five starters Saturday, its typical reinforcements were depleted, too.
Defender Phanuel Kavita (knee), defender Boyd Okwuonu (concussion), midfielder Omar Holness (shoulder), forward Emery Welshman (hip) and midfielder Fito Ovalle (personal) were unavailable for selection.
No losses for Cassar vs. Sporting KC
RSL coach Cassar improved to 3-0-2 all time against Sporting KC in MLS matches.