Real Salt Lake earned a crucial 1-0 victory over the Colorado Rapids on October 14, 2023, thanks to a late first-half goal from Diogo Goncalves. This result allowed Real Salt Lake to move into the ninth position in the Western Conference standings, pushing the Rapids down to tenth place. Both teams are currently tied on points, with 40 each, but Salt Lake has the advantage due to a higher number of wins.
The match saw Rafael Cabral secure his seventh clean sheet of the season, making a total of three saves, including some key stops late in the game. Real Salt Lake’s record now stands at 12 wins, 16 losses, and 4 draws. Meanwhile, Colorado’s record is 11 wins, 15 losses, and 7 draws.
Both teams are eyeing the playoffs, with Real Salt Lake aiming for a fourth consecutive postseason appearance. They still have two regular-season matches remaining, while the Rapids have just one left, scheduled for October 18, 2023. Real Salt Lake will play a makeup game against Seattle next weekend when many MLS teams will be on break due to the international window.
The game started with an energetic pace, as Real Salt Lake pressed early for a goal. Zack Steffen, the goalkeeper for Colorado, made impressive saves to keep the match scoreless in the first half. He denied Goncalves with a lunging effort in the 25th minute and later thwarted a close chance from Rwan Cruz.
The breakthrough came in the 39th minute when Goncalves scored. After Noel Caliskan won the ball in midfield, he passed to Alex Katranis, who delivered a precise angled pass to Cruz. Cruz then set up Goncalves, who struck a powerful shot into the top left corner, leaving Steffen with no chance.
In the second half, the action continued. Victor Olatunji nearly doubled Salt Lake’s lead in the 53rd minute with a curling effort that Steffen managed to push onto the crossbar. The Rapids responded with a near miss in the 62nd minute, when substitute Ted Ku-DiPietro hit the right post shortly after entering the match.
As the game progressed, Colorado ramped up the pressure on Cabral’s goal, especially in stoppage time. The goalkeeper displayed his skills by denying Darren Yappi at the near post and making an impressive sprawling save against Cole Bassett from close range.
This victory not only boosts Real Salt Lake’s playoff hopes but also adds to the competitive atmosphere in the Western Conference as teams push for better positions in the standings.
