Things have not gone LAFC’s way since the MLS regular season restart.
Already without reigning MVP Carlos Vela and having lost three of four matches in the restart, Real Salt Lake only added to LAFC’s recent woes on Wednesday night. Goals from Damir Kreilach, Justin Meram and Albert Rusnak were the differences for Real Salt Lake, as they sent LAFC to its fourth loss in five matches following the 3-0 result at Rio Tinto Stadium.
It took RSL nine minutes to get on the board. Following a short corner kick, Albert Rusnak crossed into the penalty area, the cross was deflected, but the ball fell to Maikel Chang, who chipped a ball forward and Krielach headed a ball past keeper Pablo Sisniega near post.
RSL got another goal indirectly off a corner kick in the 47th minute. Rusnak sent the corner into the penalty area, Pablo Ruiz came in and one-timed a ball towards goal, the shot was blocked by LAFC’s Jordan Harvey, but the ball stayed in the box, Meram got to the ball and waited before firing shot just outside the six-yard box past Sisniega into the back net to double the Salt Lake lead. RSL wrapped up the three points, with the situation beginning in the 77th minute, as Justen Glad blasted a shot towards goal, the ball deflected off Harvey’s left hand and referee Victor Rivas had no choice but to whistle for the penalty spot. Two minutes later, Rusnak converted the penalty to put the match out of reach.
