Real Salt Lake rallies past Austin to strengthen playoff position
Real Salt Lake scored twice in six minutes to beat Austin FC 2-1 in Austin on October 28, moving into ninth place in the Western Conference playoff standings. Austin was eliminated from playoff contention.
Austin took the lead in the 52nd minute when Jorge Alastuey struck from long range, sending the ball past goalkeeper Rafael Cabral. Real Salt Lake responded three minutes later, as Saba Lobjanidze curled a shot into the corner to make it 1-1.
Morgan Guilavogui put Salt Lake ahead in the 61st minute. Sergi Solans created the opening with a run into space and a pass to Guilavogui, who finished the chance. Salt Lake held on for its third straight win and extended its unbeaten run to four games.
The victory lifted Real Salt Lake into ninth in the Western Conference with two regular-season matches remaining. The team had entered the game two points behind the LA Galaxy, who occupied ninth place. Austin’s loss ended its chance of reaching the playoffs.
Salt Lake visits San Jose on Saturday, while Austin travels to face the LA Galaxy.