Real Salt Lake redeemed a woeful defensive performance in a wild match against the Philadelphia Union by converting a late penalty kick.
RSL and the Union battled to a 3-3 draw Saturday night that saw a surprising own goal, a spectacular free kick, and a game-saving penalty.
The Union carried a 2-1 lead into halftime thanks to a first half brace from their new Venezuelan strker, Fernando Aristeguieta.
Aristeguieta capitalized on two defensive miscues from the home side, scoring two goals within four minutes of each other in the 34th and 38th minute to put the visitors up at the half.
The Venuzuelan’s two strikes cancelled out a beautiful free kick from Salt Lake midfielder Javier Morales that opened the scoring in the 29th minute. Morales placed his shot into the upper 90, with some help from a deflection, giving Union goalkeeper Rais Mbohli absolutely no chance at saving it.
RSL were more aggressive to start the second half as they searched for the equalizer. That aggression paid off in when defender Jamison Olave leveled the match in the 55th minute. It appeared RSL were on the front foot before Olave turned the tide yet again.
Philadelphia midfielder Cristian Maidana sent a ball across the top of the penalty box on the break. Olave attempted a clearance, but instead directed the ball into the back of his own net.
The home side pushed hard but were unable to beat Philly’s defense until the dying moments of the match.
In the 85th minute Luke Mulholland made an enterprising run into the box and was taken down by Union midfielder Maurice Edu. Referee Alan Chapman pointed to the spot and Jeff Cassar's team had their chance to undo their blunders from earlier in the match. Alvaro Saborio stepped up and banged home the penalty kick past Mbolhi.
Both sides would leave the pitch with a point as no team could put home another goal.
In their next game, Philadelphia will face FC Dallas on Friday night in Chester while Real Salt Lake is off until March 29th, when they will face Toronto FC.
