We are almost embarrassed to admit it, but we finally made our way out to Rio Tinto Stadium last night for the first time...we got a chance to see ReAL Salt Lake take on the Los Angeles Galaxy. It was a fantastic night of soccer in a tremendous environment.
The stadium is gorgeous and provides great sights and sounds. The crowd (over 16,000) was very good for a weeknight and very enthusiastic.
The game was a very controlled affair until deep into injury time, when things got crazy...RSL went up 1-0 in the first half on an acrobatic header from a corner kick by Robbie Findley. The match stayed that way until 2nd half injury time. Then the Galaxy were awarded a PK...Landon Donovan squeaked it by RSL 'keeper Chris Seitz...1-1...just one minute later RSL gets a PK...Will Johnson drills it past LA goalie...Donovan Ricketts...2-1...then after a scramble in the box, Mike Magee hits a shot between Seitz' legs for the 2-2...VERY dramatic (and maddening for RSL supporters).We loved the stadium...and we loved watching
Greg Berhalter (smart center back) and Landon Donovan (got into some great spots on offense)...we also noticed that the Galaxy goal keeper, Donovan Ricketts is a GIANT of a man. Mostly we loved the Real team...Robbie Findley is FAST and dangerous. Kyle Beckerman holds down the middle of the field...and the outside backs, Tony Beltran and Chris Wingert fly up and down the flanks.We look forward to seeing RSL again. And we will be back at Rio Tinto on May 23 to watch the USA vs. Japan women's game....also, we may have some exciting news in the fall about Rio Tinto...stay tuned!
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