RSL and Royals Fall in Key Matches
On October 31, Real Salt Lake lost 2-1 at San Jose, while Utah Royals fell 2-0 to Gotham FC. RSL now needs a win over LA Galaxy to secure a playoff place; the Royals are preparing for their first playoff game.
San Jose took the lead in the third minute with a free-kick shot that beat RSL goalkeeper Rafael Cabral. Benji Kikanović added a second before JuanMa Sanabria headed in Sam Junqua’s cross in the 23rd minute to bring the Utah side within one goal. RSL created chances after halftime, including a Justen Glad effort that forced a save, but San Jose held on.
RSL coach Pablo Mastroeni said he saw his players compete in stretches and stressed the need to be ready for the next match. RSL will welcome LA Galaxy to America First Field for the regular-season finale, starting at 5:00 p.m. MDT. A win would secure a playoff spot.
Utah Royals conceded early against Gotham FC when Guro Reiten finished from close range in the ninth minute. The Royals had chances to respond, including a Miyabi shot that Gotham goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger saved. Gotham’s second goal came in the 81st minute, when Jaedyn Shaw converted a cross from Pudge.
The Royals appealed for a penalty after Brecken Mozingo was brought down in the area soon after, but a VAR review did not lead to an on-field review. Coach Jimmy Coenraets said his team had shown its character against top NWSL sides and that he wants to win every match. Utah faces San Diego Wave on November 6 in its postseason opener, available to watch through Prime beginning at 8:00 p.m. MDT.