Sporting KC’s rivalry with Real Salt Lake is not like the other rivalries in MLS. This wasn’t born of geographic proximity or marketing, this was born of pure hatred between the players and an intense MLS Cup Final in 2013. It seemed like a fitting clash for the marketing tool that is Heineken Rivalry Week, and it did not disappoint. The match was heated, but Sporting KC fell to rivals RSL 3-1.
SKC came out with their signature high press, but RSL was ready for it. They defended it well and were dangerous and quick to capitalize off any chance they were given, and they were given a few. RSL’s first goal came from a poor giveaway from Matt Besler. Their second was a Brad Davis own goal. Yura Movsisyan sent a cross into the box and as Davis turned, thinking it went past him, the ball hit his shoulder and sailed into the back of the net. RSL’s third goal was just a nicely placed pass from Kyle Beckerman to Movsisyan and a chip over a diving Tim Melia.
SKC created their fair share of chances and even the space that was lacking last week. Dom Dwyer was able to move into space behind the backline on multiple occasions, but only once did he get a goal to show for that effort. RSL defended him well. He was out muscled to more than one through ball, with the obvious exception of Jimmy Medranda’s pass that led to the only SKC goal of the game.
It was their only goal, but it wasn’t for lack of chances. Sporting had 16 shots and four on target. Five of those 16 were blocked. RSL held the keys to winning the game: blocking shots, marking their men, winning every second ball, and capitalizing on mistakes. They had all this and they still resorted to time wasting tactics as soon as their first goal.
Salt Lake could’ve beaten SKC without the time wasting. Besler made his fair share of mistakes at the back that helped RSL create plenty of chances and they knew how to handle the press. It’s disconcerting to see a team that could play well resort to that kind of tactic. RSL and Sporting both have a lot to prove over the course of the season, but Sporting might be in a better position to improve as they aren’t wasting enough time to have seven minutes added on at the end of the game.
Main Photo: Peter G. Aiken, Getty Images
