Rusnak scores twice as Real Salt Lake beat FC Cincinnati

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:23 am

Albert Rusnak scored twice, including a penalty kick, as Real Salt Lake defeated host FC Cincinnati 3-0 Friday night.

Sam Johnson also scored for Salt Lake and goalkeeper Andrew Putna made one save for his first career shutout in his second start and third appearance.

It was the second consecutive victory for RSL after a four-match losing streak and its first road win of the season. Expansion FC Cincinnati now has a five-match winless streak.

Rusnak, who took over the team lead with four goals this season, opened the scoring in the 42nd minute. Teammate Corey Baird's shot from the left wing was deflected by Cincinnati goalie Spencer Richey and the ball bounced to Rusnak, who was just to the left of the penalty spot. Rusnak's half-volley found the lower right corner of the net.

Johnson doubled the advantage in first-half stoppage time. A shot by Damir Kreilach was stopped by Richey and Baird's rebound shot was deflected off the goal line by a Cincinnati defender. Johnson's leaping side volley from just inside the 6-yard box found the back of the net to make it 2-0 at the half.

Rusnak capped the scoring in the 59th minute with a penalty kick. Mathieu Deplagne conceded the penalty by fouling RSL's Jefferson Savarino.

Richey made three saves for Cincinnati, which outshot RSL 14-10, but put only one of their attempts on goal, by Deplagne. Richey has been filling in for Przemyslaw Tyton, who has been dealing with hamstring tendinitis. Seven of RSL's attempts were on target. Cincinnati also had a 13-1 edge in corner kicks.

Rusnak, Baird and Cincinnati captain Kendall Waston were each issued yellow cards during the match.

Cincinnati dropped to 1-2-1 at Nippert Stadium while RSL improved to 1-3-1 on the road.