RSL held off the Portland Timbers in US Open Cup Play (USA Today Sports)
It's happening folks, we're getting another Cup final at Rio Tinto Stadium! Last night Real Salt Lake outlasted the Portland Timbers to take a 2-1 win in the US Open Cup semifinals. By virtue of the coin flip held a few days ago, the Claret and Cobalt will host US Open Cup Final on October 1st. Their opponent will be DC United, who advanced by beating the Chicago Fire in their semifinal.
It wasn't easy for RSL, and it never was going to be against the Portland Timbers, who have made huge strides forward since Caleb Porter took over at the beginning of this season. However, what we saw last night was largely an experienced Claret and Cobalt side going up against a younger Timbers side that was lacking experience in big time contests, especially on the road. A draw wasn't going to be enough for the men from Portland this time.
RSL got a much needed game changer in the 7th minute, and it was the returning Gold Cup players to the rescue. Kyle Beckerman found Alvaro Saborio in the box and Sabo expertly headed the ball inside the back pot to make it 1-0. It was a huge break for the Claret and Cobalt, but afterward things got a little rocky.
Portland took to their possession game to see what they could do about their new disadvantage. To some it seemed like RSL was just content to let the Timbers possess in their own half and midfield, but I think there was an element of nervousness to it, and I guess given recent results, you couldn't blame them. Still, the defense was pretty solid and limited the Timbers to very few clear cut chances.
The best of those in the first half came from former RSL favorite turned Timbers Captain Will Johnson, who unleashed a hellish strike on goal in the 40th minute. Thankfully for RSL, they had Gold Cup winning 'keeper Nick Rimando in net, who stoned his old teammate to preserve the lead going into the halftime.
The second half proceeded along similar lines, with RSL doing a bit better at keeping some of the possession for themselves. However the game changed for good when Joao Plata checked in during the 62nd minute. Our little bundle of speed, touch, and energy helped put Portland on their heels a bit more, and in the 78th minute he slashed a great goal into the back of the net to make it 2-0 off of a great setup from Saborio.
As it turned out, the Claret and Cobalt would need that goal. In the first minute of stoppage time, Rimando managed a huge reaction save on Portland's Diego Valeri. Unfortunately the rebound went right back to the Portland playmaker who headed it in with Nick still on the ground to make it 2-1. Thankfully the defense held and there would be no stoppage time glory for the visitors to Rio Tinto that night.
I really urge everyone to come out on October 1st to support the club in the Open Cup Final. It's roughly six weeks away, plenty of time to try to get off work, which I am definitely going to try to do.
Now here are the Puddle's Three Stars:
Third Star: Diego Valeri, MF, Portland Timbers--Valeri was the biggest danger man for Portland last night, and scored their lone goal in stoppage time. However, he also missed the target on a clear header earlier in the half that probably should have been a goal.
Second Star: Alvaro Saborio, F, Real Salt Lake--I'm still amazed that we have folks who don't like Sabo. What did he do last night? Oh, he just scored the first goal and set up the winner. No biggie.
First Star--Nick Rimando, GK, Real Salt Lake--Nick has been on fire this year, and came up with some huge stops again last night. I'm really hoping he gets the recognition due to him at the end of the year, because no 'keeper in MLS is having as good a season as he is.
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