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SALT LAKE CITY — Leading into Saturday night, Real Salt Lake had not gotten a win in almost a month. July 7 was the last time RSL found itself on the winning end of a match.
That all changed on Saturday night in a 2-1 win over the Chicago Fire at Rio Tinto Stadium.
Coach Mike Petke returned to the bench after serving his two-match suspension for his outburst in Minnesota. Whether it was Petke's presence or a return to Rio Tinto, RSL played a much better brand of soccer and were rewarded with three points. They move to 34 points on the season and still above the playoff line in the Western Conference.
Here's my hat trick of thoughts on Real Salt Lake and Chicago.
Damir dominant
It took a little longer than Real Salt Lake probably expected, but it appears that Damir Kreilach is finding his stride with his new club. Kreilach scored twice on Saturday night and was the best player on the pitch.
His first goal in the 45th minute was the reward for a great run and an outstanding pass from Jefferson Savarino. His second goal, and the game winner, came in the 75th minute as a result of a great back post run and excellent pass from Joao Plata.
Kreilach, at times early in the season, looked lost and out of place; that isn't the case now. He's found his role in the Real Salt Lake attack and it couldn't come at a better time for a team that's had issues finding goals at times this season.
Savarino sensational again
The score sheet will only show an assist on Saturday night for Savarino, but his impact on the match was so much more for Real Salt Lake. He's now got three goals and five assists on the season and consistently puts pressure on the opposing defense with his skill on the ball and service from the flanks.
He is RSL's best and most dangerous attacking player, and at 21 years old is only beginning to scratch the surface of his skills.
Is Plata back to being Plata?
Two weeks ago, Plata's name was front and center in trade/transfer conversations in Major League Soccer circles. And while Petke and the club downplayed those rumors, they still remained. Since then, Plata has played some of his best soccer of the season for RSL.
Saturday night against Chicago he was active in the attack, with his cross in the 75th minute setting up the game winner. Plata's six goals are tied for the team lead; he's also got 4 assists to go along with those goals.
If RSL is to make any noise down the stretch, and perhaps into the postseason, they'll need the Plata of Saturday night to continue to appear. There isn't much playoff experience in the current RSL attack, but Plata has it and RSL will need it.
Real Salt Lake continues at home Saturday night against the Montreal Impact. Montreal will come to Utah with 29 points, sitting in fifth place in the Eastern Conference. Ignacio Piatti leads the Impact attack with 11 goals.
You can hear my broadcast next Saturday night at 8 p.m. on ESPN 700.
