facebook-pixel

Real Salt Lake falls to USL’s Phoenix Rising 3-2 in final preseason game

(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Real Salt Lake midfielder Damir Kreilach pictured during a playoff game against Portland at Rio Tinto Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019, scored a goal in a preseason loss to the Phoenix Rising on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020.

Real Salt Lake stayed winless in the preseason Saturday in a 3-2 loss to Phoenix Rising, which plays in the United Soccer League. RSL finishes the preseason with a draw and two losses as it prepares to face Orlando SC next weekend in its 2020 season opener.

RSL gave up three consecutive goals after scoring first. The Rising took a 2-1 lead in the 40th minute after scoring a goal on a throw-in that wasn’t cleared by RSL and found the feet of Solomon Asante. That goal proved to be the game-winner.

Phoenix put one away in the second half for a 3-1 lead. Salt Lake forward Justin Meram scored late for the final score.

Aaron Herrera beat the Phoenix goalkeeper to the ball on the counter and passed to Damir Kreilach with a slide tackle-type effort. Kreilach scored in the 11th, giving RSL a 1-0 lead.

The Rising equalized in the 19th minute on a set piece. Phoenix shot the ball from about 40 yards out. The ball hit the post and was rebounded by Joey Farrell, who put the ball away.

RSL beat the Rising during the 2019 preseason.