Never mind that it was against a Toronto side that looked, well, weak. Our performance was not only worthy of the three points we earned, but it was representative of a Real Salt Lake side that’s starting to look like we understand what we’re doing on the pitch. Our passing was better, our awareness was better, our fight was better: Simply put, we were better in every last aspect, and we deserved that win.
It was our first match where we scored more than two goals since a 4-1 win over LA Galaxy since March, and it was the first time since the CONCACAF Champions League loss that we looked like the dominant club we can be.
What made the biggest difference? Every last one of our players fought for the ball. I’ve decried the efforts (or lack thereof) of Collen Warner in recent weeks, but last night he started to repay the faith Jason Kreis has showed in him. Perhaps it was the implicit criticism from Kreis in his pressers, or perhaps it was a realization that he needs to step up if he’s to keep his place — or maybe it was the lessened pressure from a weaker opponent. Regardless, Warner placed 33 of his passes successfully and only three unsuccessfully. It’s much improved from the young man.
And to complement that fight, we had one reasonably major surprise: Our very own Alvaro Saborio returned to action last night, scoring two of our goals and having more opportunities still. He’s not back to his best yet, but he’s starting to look like the player he was last season for us. Big, fast and aware — we’ve really, really missed that since his absence. When Jean Alexandre came on for him late match, the difference was made keenly obvious.
On that note, there are some worrying signs from Jean Alexandre. He’s ostensibly a midfielder that’s been played out of position. He’s done well enough, considering the circumstances. But he’s been tackling like a striker — and a clumsy one at that. That can’t be encouraging in the backroom: He’s picked up cards and even a suspension in his time up front. If he can’t cut that out when our injury problems fade and he’s playing in the middle, we’re going to have a sizable problem. He needs to sort that out, and quickly.
Partnering Saborio up front was Luis Gil, who went the full 90 in only the second start of his still-short career. His awareness and movement on and off the ball were encouraging, and he’s a player that should see some more minutes this season. He looks like he’ll be a right treat, indeed.
In the middle of the park, we controlled everything. Effective passing, reasonable tackling, movement and energy and motivation: We had it all, and that’s what we’ll have to maintain if we’re to get back on our feet. Will Johnson was incredible in everything he did, Ned Grabavoy kept things ticking over, and Kyle Beckerman was our domineering captain we know.
At the back, Olave and Borchers were incredible less one cock-up when Toronto were allowed to get one back. Olave slipped at the back, Borchers was far too close to the man, and Robbie Russell hadn’t compressed the space between the three. Tony Beltran isn’t much to blame, as he maintained his left back position. Toronto barged in, scored, and that was that. We kept it 3-1 from there despite some increased pressure, and that mistake should soon be corrected.
Man of the Match: Alvaro Saborio — Can there be any question? The man came back from the Gold Cup and immediately got back to training. A Costa Rican teammate of his, Dennis Marshall, died in a car crash — hence the black arm band — and he came back into it. This is the man we need to carry us forward, and if he can maintain his form and fitness, we should, in no time, be looking like a side that can go all the way.
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