Capitalizing on the momentum from a commanding victory against the Chicago Fire the previous weekend, Real Salt Lake (RSL) journeyed to Subaru Park to challenge the Philadelphia Union, who had not yet faced defeat this season. Intent on asserting their dominance, RSL was ready to challenge the Eastern powerhouse.
The game's tone was set when RSL's captain, known as Chicho, masterfully assisted Andrés Gómez with a strategic no-look pass, leading to the opening goal midway through the first half. Chicho's deft maneuvering and Gomez's precision highlighted RSL's attacking intent.
However, the match's equilibrium was tested early in the second half when Philadelphia Union's Dániel Gazdag cleverly flicked in an equalizer, stirring some controversy among spectators and commentators alike. Despite this setback, RSL maintained their composure, embodying their team motto to
"BELIEVE."
The climax of the match arrived in the 89th minute when newcomer Alex Katranis seized a pivotal moment. Following a midfield foul on teammate Braian Ojeda, RSL was awarded a free kick. Maikel Chang's initial delivery was intercepted, but the clearance only went as far as Katranis, who was positioned 30 yards from the goal. With a swift touch to control the ball, Katranis unleashed a powerful shot into the far corner, stunning Andre Blake, the three-time MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, and marking the Union's first defeat at home this season.
This victory at Philadelphia not only underscored RSL's capability on the road—it being their 15th away win in the 2023/24 season—but also spotlighted Katranis's knack for critical goals, his second match-winner on the road following a previous victory in Vancouver. Now, with four contributions to goals this season (two goals and two assists), Katranis has become a significant asset for RSL.
After the match, Philadelphia's coach, Jim Curtin, reflected on the team's performance, especially in the second half.
"I thought we had control and created enough chances to win. Unfortunately, we couldn’t convert those opportunities into goals," Curtin remarked,
highlighting the harsh realities of soccer where dominance in play must be matched by scoring.
Moreover, the match was a landmark moment for Dániel Gazdag, who equaled Union legend Sebastian LeToux’s goal-scoring record. While celebrating this personal milestone, Gazdag and his coach expressed a shared sentiment; the disappointment of not securing a win overshadowed the individual achievements.
"He’s a remarkable player, but I know he’d trade this record for the victory tonight," Curtin added.
As the season progresses, RSL's resilience and strategic depth will be key factors in their pursuit of top honors, while the Philadelphia Union will look to rebound from this setback, aiming to restore their unbeaten trajectory.
