This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Sandy • Jamison Olave sprinted off the field less than a week ago and wiped the sweat from his forehead with the understanding his mistake could've been a massive blow to Real Salt Lake's dreams of another postseason appearance. The ensuing red card and a penalty kick were all the Portland Timbers needed last Wednesday to bury RSL's playoff aspirations.

So on a crisp fall night back at Rio Tinto Stadium six days later, the 34-year-old Colombian considered to be one of the best overall defenders in league history drifted free in the box as Javier Morales waited to deliver the 13th corner kick of a hectic first half between RSL and Guatemalan club Municipal.

The ball was perfectly placed — and perfectly headed home. Olave beat Claudio Albizuris and snapped an emphatic header past Municipal goalkeeper Paulo Motta in the 43rd minute for a goal that served as a slice of redemption for the longtime RSL defender.

"I told Javier, 'Just put the ball here, because [Albizuris] was too small for me,'" Olave said. "The next play, he saw that and he put the ball there."

"I couldn't be more happy for [Olave], for our team, for our club, for our fans," RSL coach Jeff Cassar added. "That space was open all night."

It was all RSL needed in the 1-0 win. The goal clinched a spot for RSL in February's CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals for the first time since 2011. RSL made history Tuesday by finalizing a sweep of MLS clubs to advance out of group stage play, joining the L.A. Galaxy, D.C. United and Seattle. RSL went 3-0-1 in Group G play.

"It wasn't always pretty, but these games aren't," Cassar said.

Former MLS MVP Carlos Ruiz nearly made RSL sweat it out four minutes before Olave's header. Guatemala's all-time leading scorer beat Olave to a free ball in the box and hit a half-volley off the turf, but the ball curved away from goal and goalkeeper Nick Rimando.

The two 36-year-olds met again in the 76th minute when Ruiz's free kick from 35 yards away came zipping toward Rimando.

It was a similar scenario to RSL's visit to Guatemala City on Aug. 4. And like that night, Rimando rose and got a fingertip to Ruiz's free kick, pushing it over.

"When you think of Nicky, you think of massive saves that keep us in games," Cassar said. "That was a huge save."

Once the final whistle cemented RSL's 2015 home slate, captain Kyle Beckerman ran from the center of the field to the west-side stands and started an elongated lap around Rio Tinto Stadium, thanking and high-fiving fans.

"I just felt like doing it this year," he said after his four-minute jaunt. "They've been really great to us since the start, even before I got here. We knew it was a tough year for everyone, so just a thank you for them."

Twitter: @chriskamrani —

Storylines

R Center back Jamison Olave scores the game-winner in the 43rd minute.

• RSL goes 3-0-1 in Group G play to advance to the Champions League quarterfinals in February.

• RSL closes out its MLS regular season Sunday in Seattle.

More inside

O At age 36, former Major League Soccer MVP Carlos Ruiz remains a scoring threat for Municipal. › D8