Savarino’s Offensive Spark Not Enough Against FC Cincinnati 

September 18, 2022 – MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro) – Real Monarchs News Release

Man of the Match: Forward Jefferson Savarino led the attack for RSL in the tough loss, earning his fifth assist since returning to the Club. Savarino opened the scoring by chipping a ball to the head of winger Maikel Chang to take an early 1-0 lead. The Venezuelan led the Claret-and-Cobalt in shots with four and two on target, giving himself the highest expected goal+assist percentage with .6%. Additionally, Savarino consistently found his teammates in dangerous locations with three key passes.

Telling Stat: Tonight’s loss marks the first time Real Salt Lake dropped all three points after scoring the opening goal since October 30, 2021 when the Club lost 4-3 to San Jose Earthquakes. RSL has struck first in 12 matches this season and has earned 28 points in that span. Furthermore, this loss marks the first time in the 2022 MLS season in which the Claret-and-Cobalt have dropped consecutive matches this season and only the second time under Head Coach Pablo Mastroeni.

What You Missed: On Hispanic Heritage Night, Real Salt Lake dropped much needed points at home, falling to FC Cincinnati 2-1. Winger Maikel Chang netted his second goal of the season, while forward Jefferson Savarino earned his fifth assist of the 2022 campaign. Midfielder Jasper Löffelsend also made his way into the stat sheet, securing his fourth assist of the year. Additionally, RSL now sits outside of the Western Conference playoff picture tied with LA Galaxy in points, but in eighth place based on goal differential.

What’s Next: Real Salt Lake will take a break from MLS regular season play to participate in an international friendly, hosting Liga MX champions Atlas FC at America First Field on Thursday, September 22 at 8:06 p.m. MT as part of the Leagues Cup Showcase. The University Of Utah Health Plaza on the east side of the stadium opens at 6:00 p.m. MT, with gates opening for the crucial match at 6:30 p.m. MT. Limited tickets are available at www.rsl.com/tickets.

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