After three games against competition it would never see in a Major League Soccer season, Real Salt Lake failed its first real test Wednesday with a 2-1 oss to FC Dallas in Tucson, Ariz.
RSL gave up two goals in the first 20 minute of the second half after holding a one-goal lead for much of the first 45 minutes.
Sebastian Saucedo opened the scoring for both teams in the 22nd minute after Kyle Coffee’s pass found him inside the 18-yard box. Saucedo’s strike found the top-left corner of the goal and gave Real a 1-0 lead, capitalizing off a Dallas turnover deep in the backfield.
Dallas tied the game at 1-1 in the 56th minute. Nick Rimando’s clearance fell short and was intercepted by a Dallas defender. Jesus Ferrera received a quick pass while between two RSL center backs and beat Rimando relatively easily.
Minutes later, Tony Beltran committed a foul in the box, which allowed Dallas a penalty kick. Santiago Mosquera put in a goal just passed the outstretched glove of Rimando for a 2-1 lead in the 60th minute.
A handball penalty committed by RSL gave Dallas another penalty kick, but Rimando saved it.
The team started a mishmash of regular first-team players and some looking to still take the 30th roster spot. Kyle Coffee earned this fourth consecutive appearance in the preseason.
Albert Rusnák obtains green card
During the broadcast, an RSL spokesperson said designated player Albert Rusnák has been away from the team in recent days to obtain a green card from his native Slovakia.
Rusnák has it, per the spokesperson, but it has not yet been approved by the league. Once MLS gives the go-ahead, RSL can open up an international roster slot, per league rules. Last season, Rusnák took up one of those slots because he did not have his green card.
Rusnák obtaining his card will bring RSL’s international players officially down to eight. They include: Marcelo Silva, Jefferson Savarino, Pablo Ruiz, Everton Luiz, Nedum Onuoha, Damir Kreilach and Sam Johnson.
Follow @AlexVReporting