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SANDY — Diego Luna started in his first game back with Real Salt Lake since helping the U.S. U-20 team to a World Cup quarterfinals appearance, but it wasn't enough to get the full 3 points on Saturday against New York City FC at America First Field.
"In the first half alone, there were four (chances). If you don't finish those chances, you're gonna have a hard time getting results," head coach Pablo Mastroeni said. "So the result is frustrating; performance is good."
The 0-0 draw marked the fourth such result of the season for RSL, as well as the fourth time the Claret and Cobalt have been held scoreless at home in 2023.
The trust from the coaching staff to start Luna in his first appearance since April was a surprise, but it was warranted within the first several minutes of the match; Luna seemed to push the ball forward with every touch he got, and his confidence, paired with an improved run of form from Rubio Rubin, created 1.8 expected goals for RSL in the first half.
The home team put up another 1.8 expected goals in the second half, meaning the chances and shots were there, but the ball just wasn't hitting the back of the net. RSL finished with 20 total shots on a night the team scored zero goals.
Many spectators on social media pointed out the clear need for recently-signed striker Chicho Arango, who is known for his prolific goalscoring ability over the last two years in MLS. Arango was welcomed at halftime by the crowd at AFF, but he can't join the team until after the transfer window opens on July 5.
Chicho está aquí #RSLpic.twitter.com/rVqItcx4ak
— Caleb Turner (@calebturner23) June 11, 2023
Jefferson Savarino — Arango's partner at the top of the RSL payroll — nearly put the home team ahead in the 67th minute with a shot from outside the box, but it hit the crossbar and bounced into the supporters' section.
"That's how football is," Mastroeni said. "Sometimes the ball hits the bar and goes in, and sometimes it hits the bar and goes out."
RSL plays its next two matches on the road in Washington D.C. and St. Louis before returning to Utah on June 24 to take on Minnesota United FC.
