MLS points leader FC Dallas played to a 0-0 draw with Real Salt Lake Saturday evening at Rio Tinto Stadium in Utah. RSL had more possession and created more opportunities, but the visitors’ keeper Chris Seitz made four crucial saves to keep the goalless draw intact.
FC Dallas had already qualified for the postseason when they entered the match, with second place LA Galaxy only four points behind. Real Salt Lake came into the game on the heels of two consecutive defeats, positioning them eight points behind the conference leaders.
FC Dallas and Real Salt Lake Create Chances But No Goals
The first half was a thrilling back and forth affair with both teams creating quality chances to score. FC Dallas started on the front foot and nearly netted in the eighth minute when midfield maestro Mauro Díaz thumped a long range effort off the left post. Real Salt Lake quickly found their place in the match and created three clear cut chances by the 30th minute. All were turned away by the excellent Seitz. FC Dallas came close again in the 39th minute from a set piece, when Walker Zimmerman headed a diagonal free kick on goal from close range. RSL keeper Nick Rimando made a fine save, diving to his left, to keep the score level at zeros.
In the second half, Real Salt Lake took control of the match. Midfielder Jordon Allen had two fantastic chances to score in the 66th and 78th minutes but could not beat FC Dallas’ keeper. The second of the two chances saw Allen cleverly dribble past the last FC Dallas defender and fire an accurate shot on goal that was parried away by the net-minder.
RSL almost took the points late in the match when Ecuadorian forward and substitute Joao Plata unleashed from 20 yards, but his screaming strike was touched just wide of the post.
So the points were shared between these two Western conference foes. The result leaves FC Dallas five points clear at the top of the Western Conference. LA Galaxy play at home on Sunday and have a good chance to make ground on Dallas in the Supporters Shield race. RSL lands in fourth place in the Western Conference, still eight points off the lead. Recent FC Dallas acquisition Carlos Ruíz was on the bench but did not see playing time in the match.
