Whatever Real Salt Lake did to anger referees, they probably should go ahead and rectify that. RSL has been victimized once again by a questionable decision by the referee, this time leading to a first-half penalty that has FC Dallas up 1-0 at halftime.
FC Dallas Vs. Real Salt Lake, 2012 MLS: Brek Shea Penalty Provides 1-0 Halftime Lead
The call in question went against defender Tony Beltran. On a free kick in stoppage time of the first half, a free kick was lofted into the box. There was no danger, but as Beltran was falling over the ball struck the underside of his arm.
It seemed to be a clear example of ball-to-hand and Beltran really didn't gain any kind of advantage on the play. The details were ultimately proved inconsequential, though, as Brek Shea calmly placed a left-footed shot inside the far post as Nick Rimando dove in the opposite direction.
While the penalty may not have been deserved, Dallas definitely had the better of play. They out shot RSL 9-2 and forced Rimando into three saves and seemed to be knocking on the door for at least the final 20 minutes of the half.
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