Real Salt Lake battled back to claim a hard-earned 2-2 draw against LAFC on Saturday night at America First Field, with Noel Caliskan’s 75th-minute finish ensuring the hosts had a legitimate share of the points after an open, attacking MLS contest.
LAFC struck first in the 14th minute through Denis Bouanga, but Salt Lake responded quickly. Saba Lobjanidze levelled the match four minutes later in the 18th minute, restoring the home side’s momentum after the early setback.
The visitors regained their advantage before half-time when Son Heung-Min found the net in the 38th minute, sending LAFC into the break with a 2-1 lead. Real Salt Lake had shown plenty of intent, however, and continued to push after the restart.
RSL controlled 57.7 percent of possession and produced 22 shots, including nine on target, as they steadily turned the pressure back toward the LAFC goal. That persistence paid off in the 75th minute, when Caliskan delivered the equaliser to make it 2-2.
LAFC created danger of their own despite having less of the ball, registering 18 attempts and six efforts on target while winning eight corners. But neither side could find a decisive third goal in the closing stages, leaving the points shared in Sandy.
Real Salt Lake return to action on Wednesday, September 9, against Houston Dynamo FC, while LAFC host Red Bull New York later that evening.
