Real Salt Lake Escapes Dallas With A Point After Late Kreilach Equalizer

May 22, 2021, 8:21 PM

Photo courtesy: Real Salt Lake Twitter

KSL Sports

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Real Salt Lake hangs on for a 2-2 draw in Dallas after a late equalizer from Damir Kreilach saves a point for RSL on the road in difficult playing conditions.

Juarez Opts For Changes In Starting XI

“It is already hard to play here. But we knew they were going to be aggressive and looking for a win so we knew we were going to have to suffer,” Juarez said at the conclusion of the game. “So proud of the guys to get out of here with a point.”

Interestingly, Manager Freddy Juarez opted to play Andrew Brody at left-back as Aaron Herrera returned from a soft tissue injury. Donny Toia, who was subbed midway through the second half a week ago against Nashville SC, was benched.

Marcelo Silva also returned to the starting XI after spending multiple weeks on the sideline recovering from a soft tissue muscle injury.

The weather in Dallas was unlike what RSL had become accustomed to over the years as rain fell throughout the entire fixture. Early in the contest, multiple players were seen falling down after they lost their footing due to the torrential downpour.

Chaotic First 45

RSL scored first. Thanks to more brilliance from striker Rubio Rubin who continues to impress. Rubin scored his fourth goal of the season after dribbling around an FC Dallas defender and sneaking the ball into the bottom right corner of the net from a very tight angle.

.@RubioRubin doing what he does best 👀#RSL | #DALvRSL pic.twitter.com/hm2POVSwNG

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) May 23, 2021

It was another brilliant finish from Rubin who has excelled throughout the course of the 2021 season.

But just as halftime approached, Marcelo Silva made a questionable decision to make an attempt on the ball in the box when he never should have. He conceded a penalty late in the first half in which FC Dallas calmly put away to level things going into the main interval.

Wild Ending In Dallas

The second half was played on the terms of the hosts. Dallas controlled the vast majority of the attacking chances and looked deserving of three points.

RSL goalkeeper David Ochoa was tasked with making a number of key saves to keep RSL in the match. Ochoa’s performance was crucial to the success of RSL as Dallas was not afraid to pepper Ochoa’s goal from distance. The weather and constant downpour of rain helped Dallas unleash from distance time and time again throughout the game.

Then, Dallas was rewarded for their attacking efforts when midfielder Hollingshead put his laces through a shot that deflected off Justin Glad and into the top of the net to give Dallas a late 2-1 lead at home in the 83rd minute.

However, remarkably, just three minutes later, Damir Kreilach found space in the area and buried his header into the ground past FC Dallas keeper to equalize. Much to the displeasure of the home fans.

The beauty. 🤯 The grace. 🤯 The header. 🤯#RSL | #DALvRSL pic.twitter.com/b7RX70artV

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) May 23, 2021

“First of all I want to say all the credit goes to the team,” Kreilach said after the game. “Overall, it is positive as we are taking a point on the road. Now we can get home and get back to playing at home.”