Minnesota United and Real Salt Lake traded some great chances, but none that materialized in a winning goal, as the Western Conference foes would settle for a 0-0 draw at Allianz Field on Sunday.
Neither club managed to break through in the first half, as some impressive build-ups didn't translate to many meaningful chances on goal.
But things picked up considerably after the restart, as Emanuel Reynoso narrowly missed opening the scoring for Minnesota just a few minutes after second-half kickoff. The Argentine playmaker collected a feed from Romain Metanire and wrangled free in the penalty box before squeezing off the shot, only to have it denied by a reaction save from RSL goalkeeper Andrew Putna.
Reynoso then had another look shortly after that from nearly the same spot on the right side of goal after a turnover by Justin Meram, but Putna got the better of it again, sticking out his leg for the kick-save.
After RSL countered with a pair of near-misses at the other end from Albert Rusnak and Douglas Martinez, Reynoso was thwarted by Putna for a third time, sending in a gorgeous free kick from deep outside the area on the right side that Putna had to go full extension to deflect away in the 55th minute.
Kei Kamara nearly broke through for Minnesota again in the 68th minute after Reynoso found him streaking down the left side following a giveaway by RSL in their own end, but Putna came out to deny the newly acquired striker's breakaway shot. Kamara managed to reclaim possession of the rebound, but was unable to get a shot back on goal before the ball was cleared away.
Minnesota continued to apply the pressure in search of a late winner, and nearly got it in the 87th minute when Bakaye Dibassy rose up to meet a corner kick that he headed toward goal, only to see it glance off the post.
Goals
- None
Three Things
MOMENT OF THE MATCH
: This was a great free kick from Reynoso that could have been a highlight-reel golazo, but it was just better work from Putna to save it. Considering how the match ended, the save looms that much larger.
MAN OF THE MATCH
: You have to go Putna here. Real Salt Lake very well could be leaving Minnesota with no points at all if not for their 25-year-old backstop standing on his head multiple times, for a total of seven saves on the night.
Next Up
- MIN: Saturday, October 3 vs. FC Cincinnati (8 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+; MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada)
- RSL: Sunday, October 4 vs. LAFC (9:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US; MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada)
