Drab RSL, dull Nashville draw 0-0 at Rio Tinto

In what was a considerably better showing than the second-half output on display against San Jose, RSL played out a 0-0 draw against visiting Nashville SC.

It might be the most objectively boring match RSL will play this season (still, it’s a long year. You never know.)

The first half of the match proceeded with little to nothing in the way of meaningful chances for Real Salt Lake, with corners coming with shocking frequency. The corners rarely made their way to an RSL player, and on the rare occasions they did, there was little chance for success.

Andrew Brody had what was arguably a good penalty shout in the 55th minute, but not only was any contact made with him initiated outside the box, it also ended up going out for a throw-in, with no free kick for RSL to waste.

Spurts of life emerged around the 60th minute, with Damir Kreilach and Albert Rusnak suddenly remembering they’re allowed to move off the ball. It didn’t lead to a goal, but it did lead to some interesting opportunities.

Damir Kreilach had a chance nearing the three-quarters mark of the match, getting on the end of repeated back-and-forth crosses, but his shot went sailing over the bar. It was sadly one of RSL’s better opportunities to that point.

Ashtone Morgan entered the match in the 77th minute, making his debut for Real Salt Lake in Donny Toia’s stead. Freddy Juarez later made a rare triple-substitution, adding Douglas Martinez, Maikel Chang, and Noah Powder to the field, removing Andrew Brody, Justin Meram and Anderson Julio. It was a roll of the dice for and RSL team that was stagnating, and it didn’t lead to more opportunities or any success.

Attendance: 10,555