Actual Salt Lake was internet hosting the reverse fixture of the CONCACAF Champions Cup fixture in opposition to Costa Rica’s Herediano. One week earlier than, RSL had traveled south to tackle the three-time Costa Rican Tremendous Cup champs, however solely managed a nil-nil draw. Followers gathered within the frigid stands hoping for a greater exhibiting than their embarrassing 4 – 0 loss to the San Jose Earthquakes within the MLS Opening Weekend.
A Sturdy Begin
Herediano have been languid within the opening 45 minutes. They managed just one shot, one nook and appeared content material to sit down again and defend their space. RSL was in full management, taking eight photographs earlier than Dominik Marczuk broke down the fitting and located Forster Ajago on his ensuing cross to attain. It was RSL’s first objective of the 2025 marketing campaign. 5 extra makes an attempt would comply with, and strolling into the locker room RSL needed to really feel assured of their play, even when their ending was considerably profligate.
A Reversal
However Herediano emerged from the dressing room fired up. After 4 minutes they produced two respectable efforts on objective: one shot blocked and the opposite barely pulled huge. This was a warning shot fired throughout RSL’s bow; would they reply?
The reply is: not likely. The group acquired fortunate when Emerson Bravo’s fifty fifth minute objective was overturned by VAR for a foul within the buildup, however even after this reprieve RSL’s photographs weren’t medical sufficient. Credit score have to be given to Herediano’s goalkeeper Dany Carvajal, who made many glorious saves to disclaim the hosts. Because the minutes ticked down, Herediano gained confidence and started to use a excessive press. Their seventieth minute objective got here from a defensive turnover; Eliás Aguilar tapping it previous Rafael. With the away-goal rule in impact, all Herediano wanted was a draw and RSL was pressured to escalate their assault. This left them uncovered, and Rafael Cabral was pressured into taking down Randy Vega within the field after a breakaway. The following PK (and yellow for RSL’s keeper) merely put the sport to mattress.
Herediano advance 2 – 1 on combination, and can face LA Galaxy within the subsequent spherical.
A Silver Lining?
If there’s any upside to this early elimination, it’s that their fixture calendar simply turned an entire lot lighter. Now coach Pablo Mastroeni can consider discovering one of the best match up entrance to handle the group’s attacking points. They received’t have an excessive amount of downtime, nevertheless, as they host Seattle Sounders on Saturday and can search for a greater outcome.