SANDY, Utah— Real Salt Lake had plenty of opportunities to take a slim edge in their Western Conference Semifinals series with the LA Galaxy, but the play of LA Galaxy goalkeeper Jaime Penedo proved decisive in holding the Claret-and-Cobalt at bay.
But that doesn’t mean that Salt Lake is not plenty confident heading into the second leg at StubHub Center next week.
Despite holding an impressive 16 to three advantage in shots, the stellar play of Penedo and several timely stops by the Galaxy defense kept the home side from establishing an early advantage. Heading into the second leg next week, RSL captain Kyle Beckerman says his team is pleased with their showing on Saturday.
“Of course we would like some goals, and we had some chances and maybe on a different day we score those,” Salt Lake captain Kyle Beckerman told reporters after the game. “Credit to their keeper, and credit to their defense. We got a series on our hands."
Head coach Jeff Cassar also admitted that he was pleased with his team’s ability to create chances on a Galaxy defense that ranked among the league’s best throughout the regular season.
"I thought the players on the field were going to give us the goal that we needed,” he said. “Everybody had the proper energy, proper movement. On a different night, I think we would have four or five goals."
Whether Salt Lake can duplicate that explosive offensive performance at StubHub Center remains to be seen remains up in the air. Throughout the 2014 regular season campaign, the Galaxy held an impressive 13-1-4 record in all competitions. That lone home defeat came against RSL who defeated the Galaxy in their season opener back in March.
And with that past success at StubHub Center in their minds, Salt Lake are relishing the challenge.
"There's definitely no comfort going in, because they are very good at home," said defender Nat Borchers. "When you're at home in this league, you have an initial boost of energy, so I think those first 15-20 minutes is really important, so we got to be ready for that. We've got to come out flying and hopefully if we get that early goal, we can put that pressure on them."
