SANDY, Utah–Real Salt Lake advanced to the quarterfinals of the US Open Cup after beating the Portland Timbers at Rio Tinto Stadium, 2-0.
Jeff Attinella needed only one save to keep RSL afloat behind Sebastian Jaime’s and Javier Morales’ pair of goals for the claret and cobalt. Jaime got on the board first in the 54th minute, assisted by Olmes Garcia. Javier Morales capitalized on a penalty kick opportunity in the 71st minute.
The match started with a few shots on goal, only to be called back by offside calls. Play was mostly limited to midfield for the remainder of the first half. RSL picked up the offense in the second half, culminating in 14 total shots, compared to Portland’s 6 shots.
Tonight was also a homecoming for former RSL fan favorite Nat Borchers. The 34-year-old spent 7 seasons with Real Salt Lake before being traded in the offseason to the Timbers.
RSL will play the LA Galaxy in the 6th round and quarterfinals of the US Open Cup on either July 21st or 22nd. RSL’s next match will be this Saturday against Major League Soccer expansion team Orlando City SC.
Jeff Cassar’s Postgame Press Conference:
Highlights of tonight’s win:
