Real Salt Lake took a significant step toward becoming the first MLS team to make the finals in the modern era of the CONCACAF Champions League, beating Saprissa 2-0 in the first leg of their semifinal match. RSL got goals from former Saprissa man Alvaro Saborio and Fabian Espindola. The win extended RSL's unbeaten streak at Rio Tinto Stadium to 35 matches across all competitions.
Real Salt Lake Vs. Saprissa, CONCACAF Champions League: Real Salt Lake Wins 2-0
RSL took the initiative early, nearly taking the lead in the sixth minute on an apparently goal by Nat Borchers. But the play was ruled off-side, disallowing the goal. Replays appeared to show Borchers was on-side.
Unfazed, RSL came back to take the lead just three minutes later. Saborio was able to collect a near perfect cross from Espindola on the edge of the penalty area and beat Victor Bolivar. It was Saborio’s eighth goal of the tournament.
Saprissa had an apparent equalizing goal from Josoue Martinez disallowed in the 24th minute. That proved especially costly when Espindola gave RSL their second goal in the 56th minute.
RSL now heads to Saprissa in about as good position as they could have hoped. Simply scoring a goal would mean that Saprissa needs to score at least four times to advance to their eighth CONCACAF championship game.
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