FC Dallas had to know winning this game was of huge importance. Eric Avila, an 87th minute substitute, just gave the Hoops a huge boost.
Major League Soccer Playoffs, Real Salt Lake vs. FC Dallas, Leg 1: Eric Avila Gives FC Dallas First Lead
Avila was able to find some room just inside the penalty area and fired a shot past RSL goalkeeper Nick Rimando inside the far post for a 2-1 lead in the 88th minute.
Avila had scored just two goals in 50 MLS games.
The two teams were playing with 10 men after both Atiba Harris and Javier Morales received second yellows in separate incidents.
FC Dallas has also received solid play from goalkeeper Kevin Hartman, who had not played a MLS game in six weeks. Hartman has been tested several times, especially in the final minutes.
Real Salt Lake probably would have been perfectly happy to go into the second leg even, as they have not lost at home in a MLS-record 25 matches.
Now, they are looking at needing to beat FC Dallas — potentially by two goals — without the services of Morales, their top playmaker and one of their best scorers.
See More:
