Montreal Impact's Jukka Raitala salvages draw with Real Salt Lake

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:29 am

Jukka Raitala countered Joao Plata's first-half goal with a long-distance strike after halftime to help the Montreal Impact force a 1-1 draw with Real Salt Lake on Saturday night.

Raitala's goal wasn't enough to keep Montreal's winless streak from extending to four games. Plata's goal helped RSL extend its home unbeaten streak to 12 games.

Both teams have tallied three draws in their last four matches.

Salt Lake remains in sixth place in the Western Conference. Montreal is tied for fifth place in the Eastern Conference.

The Impact had a 5-4 edge in total shots in the first half, but Salt Lake proved much more dangerous with the chances it created. RSL put three of those four shots on frame.

Jukka Raitala
Jukka Raitala
Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Their ability to put pressure on Montreal in the attacking third paid off in the 26th minute. Plata put Salt Lake on the board when he converted a penalty kick after drawing a foul from Ken Krolicki in the penalty area.

Montreal found an equalizer in the 55th minute. Raitala put the Impact on the board following a short corner kick. He latched onto the ball outside the top of the box and threaded a perfect shot inside the right post.

Salt Lake controlled possession 58 percent to 42 percent. Montreal made more of an impact on the offensive end. The Impact finished with a 13-9 advantage in total shots.