Real Salt Lake beats Sounders 2-1

  • McClatchy News Services
  • Saturday, March 30, 2013 8:13pm
  • SportsSports

SANDY, Utah — After watching his team fall behind by two goals in the first half, Sounders coach Sigi Schmid was asked by a TV interviewer what he was going to do at halftime.

“I’m going to go yell at them,” he said.

The yelling might have done some good, as Schmid admitted the Sounders played better over the final 45 minutes. But it couldn’t change the result as Seattle lost to Real Salt Lake, 2-1, Saturday before a sellout crowd of 20,359 at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah.

Afterward, the Sounders closed their locker room for a team meeting after falling to 0-3-1 on the season, the worst start in franchise history. Combined with their 1-0 loss at San Jose the week before, it marked the Sounders’ first back-to-back MLS losses since March 19, 2011, ending a 742-day stretch that had been the longest in league history.

“It’s a combination of things right now, but it’s a very disappointing evening,” Schmid said afterward. “That’s got to be a lot of soul-searching in that locker room and with us as a staff as well.”

RSL (2-2-1) dominated from the start and broke ahead in the eighth minute when Seattle’s midfielder Brad Evans tried to clear a ball in the box, but smacked it into teammate Osvaldo Alonso. Salt Lake’s Robbie Findley beat goalkeeper Michael Gspurning to the deflected ball and threaded it into the goal.

That lead doubled in the 35th minute, when Ned Grabavoy chipped a short corner kick back to Luis Gil, whose header beat Gspuring to the far post.

Salt Lake had other chances, but the score remained at 2-0 when Schmid gave his halftime interview in which he called his team’s performance “horrible, absolutely horrible.”

The Sounders came out with more intensity in the second half, and halved the lead in the 57th minute when Mauro Rosales touched a DeAndre Yedlin cross back to Evans, who scored off the post from 8 yards.

Both teams had goal opportunities after that, but the score did not change.

“Just not pleased; I’m not pleased with myself,” Schmid said. “I’ve got to start with myself because we didn’t play well at the beginning of the game. It’s a disease right now that’s infecting all of us.”

Salt Lake’s domination on the statistical sheet was greater than on the scoreboard: 25 shots to Seattle’s eight, 10 shots on target to Seattle’s four. Gspurning recorded seven saves, a regular-season career high.

“We’re running out of words at the moment,” Gspurning said. “The first half was embarrassing. There’s just one way to go, and that’s to go forward.”

Designated player Obafemi Martins made his first start as a Sounder, playing 62 minutes. However, DP Shalrie Joseph was not on the 18-man roster.

The Sounders now turn their attention to the CONCACAF Champions League semifinal series against Santos Laguna, which begins Tuesday at CenturyLink Field.

Seattle’s next MLS match is April 13, when the New England Revolution visits.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Arlington’s Leyton Martin (2) poses for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Leyton Martin

Arlington’s do-it-all junior point guard led the Eagles to a district title and second straight Hardwood Classic.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Left to right, Mountlake Terrace’s Zaveon Jones, Glacier Peak’s Jo Lee, Everett’s Isaiah White, Arlington’s Leyton Martin, Jackson’s Ryan McFerran, and Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel pose for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area boys basketball teams

A look at the top prep boys basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.