SANDY, Utah – An absolutely stacked lineup did the Los Angeles Galaxy no favors Saturday night, as Real Salt Lake bulldozed them 3-0 at Rio Tinto Stadium. Devon Sandoval notched a brace and Javier Morales added a third goal to sink the visitors, while Nick Rimando's saves netted him his 123rd career clean sheet.
RSL got on the board just three minutes into the match after the Galaxy fell asleep on defense.
Morales played an early entry ball to defender Aaron Maund, who rose up and headed it towards the back post to a wide open Sandoval. LA defender Omar Gonzalez was nowhere to be found. The man they called Big Dev took it on the volley and smashed it off the back post and in to give RSL the early lead in just the third minute of play.
Morales would get his in the 28th minute from the penalty spot after Juninho cleaned out RSL's new Designated Player, Juan Manuel Martine, as he was charging towards the end line in the box. Referee Kevin Stott wasted no time pointing to the spot and awarding the hosts the spot kick.
Morales calmly approached the ball and executed his patented stutter step. Galaxy goalie Donovan Ricketts had done his research, however, and stayed put. It didn’t matter much as the Argentine sent the ball into the back of the net and doubled RSL’s lead.
The Galaxy would threaten a handful of times before the break but they couldn’t solve the Wall of the Wasatch, Rimando. RSL’s ‘keeper had saves in the 23rd and 39th minute from Steven Gerrard and Robbie Keane respectively, but Rimando turned away both efforts.
RSL finally put the game away after the break in the 54th minute after an amazing individual effort from Martinez. He sliced through the Galaxy’s defense and dribbled all the way into the box before fighting off a challenge and lifting a ball towards goal. Sandoval was waiting patiently, and he rose up and smashed his header home making it 3-0.
RSL continued to apply pressure all night and almost embarrassed the visitors further on a number of occasions, but the scoreline would hold and the home team would run out winners.
RSL have won two straight games now and refuse to go away quietly into the playoff-less night. With this win they now sit three points back of the Portland Timbers for the sixth and final playoff spot. They will also host Champions League opponent Santa Tecla this coming Thursday night for a chance to sew up Group G.
The Galaxy, meanwhile, will travel to Central FC to continue their respective CONCACAF tourney.
