Real Salt Lake produced a ruthless counterpunching performance at America First Field on Saturday night, defeating New England Revolution 3-0 in Major League Soccer despite spending much of the match without the ball.
RSL made the ideal start when Aiden Hezarkhani scored in the 2nd minute, putting the home side ahead almost immediately and giving New England an uphill task in Sandy. The Revolution responded with sustained possession and territorial pressure, finishing with 66.6 percent of the ball, 16 shots and 11 corners. But Salt Lake defended its penalty area with discipline and limited the visitors to four shots on target.
New England could not find a breakthrough before the interval, and its frustration showed when Carles Gil was booked in first-half stoppage time. The visitors continued to probe after the restart, but Real Salt Lake remained compact and clinical whenever openings arrived.
Sergi Solans doubled the advantage in the 62nd minute, a decisive strike that put RSL firmly in control. The home side then sealed an emphatic victory when Solans scored again in the 80th minute, completing his brace and capping a sharp display in front of goal.
The statistics underlined the contrast between New England’s control and Salt Lake’s efficiency. RSL had only 33.4 percent possession and nine total shots, but placed six on target and converted three of them. New England created more volume, including 12 shot assists, yet could not solve an organised home defence as Real Salt Lake claimed the clean sheet.
The result provides a timely lift for Real Salt Lake ahead of its next fixture against Philadelphia Union on Saturday, October 10. New England Revolution will look to respond on the same day when it faces Seattle Sounders FC.
