Real Salt Lake lost its first preseason match by a score of 2-1 to Vancouver. RSL gave up two early goals in the first half as they had an epidemic of turnovers. The first goal came in just the 2nd minute as Marlon James scored after receiving a long ball down the left side and beating RSL trialist keeper, Tim Melia. In the 23rd minute, James would score off a cross after RSL midfielder Will Johnson was dispossessed of the ball.
Wholesale changes were made by the MLS champs in the second half, and it seemed that their personality on the pitch changed as well. As opposed to the first half, where they spent most of the time on their heels, they became the aggressor. Fabian Espindola in particular had several chances, and was finally able to put one away in the 79th minute. The game would finish at 2-1, leaving RSL with a bit of a disappointment in their first taste of action this year.
You can open the attachment below to read the full match report courtesy of RSL Communications or check out the Whitecaps version of events here.


