SANDY–Real Salt Lake scored once in each half to win over the Houston Dynamo, 2-0 at Rio Tinto Stadium.
Javier Morales struck first for Real Salt Lake after an intercepted clear-out from Houston in the 36th minute.
Houston keeper Tyler Deric was challenged twice more before halftime. The first came after Raul Rodriguez tried to clear an RSL shot, but instead pushed it toward the goal, only to be stopped by a great effort by Deric. Javier Morales nearly scored a brace, sliding a ball past Deric. But Houston defender Kofi Sarkodie appeared in the right place at the right time for a save just inches from a 2-0 score. RSL carried the 1-0 lead into halftime.
Sarkodie sustained a straight red card after a studs-up slide tackle on Abdoulie Mansally in the 51st minute, leaving Houston to ten players for the remainder of the match.
Winding through the box with an assist from Morales, Joao Plata scored his first goal in 2015 in the 65th minute.
Real Salt Lake’s next match will be a Pioneer Day Friday matchup with Sporting Kansas City. First kick will be at 9:00pm with 8:00 pregame on ESPN700.
Jeff Cassar Postgame:
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