SANDY, Utah – The New England Revolution (8-15-2; 26 pts.) fell on the road to Real Salt Lake (13-6-8; 47 pts.), 2-0, at America First Field on Saturday night. Revolution goalkeeper Aljaž Ivačič turned in an impressive performance highlighted by six first-half saves, but the hosts scored one goal on either side of halftime to claim all three points.
The first half featured a highlight-reel performance from Ivačič in his 16th MLS start for the club. In the ninth minute, the Slovenian got down low to deny Lachlan Brook’s low shot, the first big chance of the game. Ivačič stood tall again with a spectacular double save in the 24th minute, parrying away two shots from close range to keep RSL off the board, before making another crucial stop in the 30th minute to keep the score even.
Emmanuel Boateng nearly put the Revolution in front just after the half-hour mark. Carles Gil’s corner kick was flicked onto the back post by Matt Polster, where Boateng was waiting to tap it home. However, a last-ditch effort from the Salt Lake defense stymied the chance. Despite the early heroics from Ivačič, RSL forward Anderson Julio put the hosts in front with the opening goal just before intermission.
Salt Lake continued to threaten in the second half, tallying their second goal in the 56th minute through Philip Quinton, whose shot deflected off Nick Lima and into the net. Caleb Porter deployed a series of substitutions to provide an offensive spark, with Giacomo Vrioni and Ian Harkes entering at halftime before Dylan Borrero and Luca Langoni came on in quick succession. For Langoni, it was the Argentine’s second appearance with the club.
