Real Salt Lake condemn Colorado Rapids to worst start in MLS history

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:23 am

Colorado tied the Major League Soccer record for worst start to a season as the Rapids lost 3-2 to Real Salt Lake on Saturday at Commerce City, Colo.

The Rapids are 0-9-2 and have lost eight straight to equal Real Salt Lake's 11-match winless start in 2007 (0-5-6).

Real Salt Lake (4-6-1) squandered a 2-0 lead before Sam Johnson made it 3-2 in the 53rd minute. The advantage held six minutes later when Andrew Putna saved a Kei Kamara penalty.

The Rapids had a goal by Lalas Abubakar ruled offside in the 93rd minute.

Albert Rusnak and Corey Baird also scored for RSL. Kellyn Acosta and Danny Wilson had the Colorado goals.

Rusnak converted from the spot in the 25th minute for RSL after video review was used to call a foul on Sebastian Anderson for his challenge on Sebastian Saucedo.

RSL increased the lead to 2-0 in the 27th on the goal by Baird.

Sam Nicholson
Sam Nicholson
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

In the 33rd minute, Real Salt Lake defender Justen Glad was red-carded for his tackle of Jonathan Lewis, but the card was rescinded and Glad was issued a yellow card after video review.

The Rapids made it 2-1 in the third minute of first-half stoppage time. Lewis, acquired Tuesday in a trade with New York City FC, sent a ball lateral that Glad couldn't clear. Acosta ran onto the loose ball for the shot from 15 yards.

Colorado tied it 2-2 in the 47th minute when Wilson scored after a headed shot by Sam Nicholson off a corner kick hit the post.

RSL responded when Johnson converted a pass to the middle of the box by Damir Kreilach for the 3-2 lead that was in jeopardy when Donny Toia fouled Nicholson, but Putna had no trouble with Kamara's soft penalty try down the middle.

Real Salt Lake hosts Toronto FC on May 18. The Rapids play at the LA Galaxy on May 19.