This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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.
Frisco, Texas • A quick turnaround coupled with the early summer heat of North Texas didn't exactly make for an ideal situation for Real Salt Lake.
RSL entered Saturday night's game against FC Dallas on two days' rest after Wednesday's home victory over the New York Red Bulls. As if that wasn't enough, the temperature at Toyota Stadium for the 6 p.m. MDT kickoff was a muggy 91 degrees.
Add in the fact the club is in the midst of a stretch of six games in 18 days and the absence of midfielders Kyle Beckerman (U.S. national team duty) and Sunday Stephen (injury), and it was no surprise that coach Jeff Cassar's starting lineup looked decidedly unfamiliar.
Three of RSL's Saturday starters — midfielder Omar Holness and defenders Phanuel Kavita and Boyd Okwuonu — were on the field for the first time this season.
For Holness, a rookie from Jamaica, the game was his MLS debut. He joined Luke Mulholland and John Stertzer in the midfield, with Olmes Garcia (no previous starts), Devon Sandoval (one start) and Jordan Allen at forward.
In addition, goalkeeper Jeff Attinella made his third start of the season in relief of Nick Rimando. He entered the night with a win and a loss and two goals allowed.
Cooling off period called by referee
Because of the heat measurements before the game, referee Drew Fischer stopped the game for three minute water breaks at the 31st and 75th minutes.
Road defense struggles
RSL allowed two or more goals for the fifth time in 10 road games. The club came into the Dallas game having allowed 19 goals away from Rio Tinto Stadium, more road goals than any other MLS team this season.