Real Salt Lake would be forgiven if they thought that it just wasn't their night. Despite all of their fine play, some shoddy finishing and good goalkeeping by Vladimir Villarreal sent them into stoppage time in Panama without a goal to their name. But in the fourth minute of stoppage time, Alvaro Saborio converted a penalty that propelled Salt Lake to a 1-0 win over Tauro FC and into a tie atop Group 2 with Herediano in the CONCACAF Champions League.
Tauro FC Vs. Real Salt Lake, 2012 CONCACAF Champions League: RSL Wins In Extra Time
The visitors' best chances came with their heads, only they couldn't find the frame with them. Saborio and Javier Morales each missed the goal with free headers and late on Chris Wingert did the same. Saborio did manage to put the ball on frame once, albeit with his feet, but when he did Villarreal made a fine save to turn him away.
Despite little of the possession and spending much of the match in their own half, Tauro did have a couple chances of their own. The problem is that most of their opportunities came from distance and Nick Rimando was there to deny them each time.
But just when the match seemed destined for a draw, RSL broke through. Saborio got free at the top of the box and when Villarreal came rushing off of his line, he took down the Costa Rican striker. The referee pointed to the spot and while Villarreal did get a hand to Saborio’s penalty, he couldn’t keep it out and RSL got all three points.
The win pushes Salt Lake into a virtual tie atop Group 2, although they have played one more match than Herediano. Luckily for them, they host Herediano in their final match of the group stage. The loss eliminated Tauro, who have not earned a point yet.
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