The expansion side, Philadelphia Union, came into the match with just three points on the season and have been struggling with chemistry and personnel issues, really showed a lot of weaknesses as Real did whatever they wanted during the matinee affair in Rio Tinto.
The home side opened the scoring in the 28th minute after Union defender Christian Arrieta's clearing pass fell right onto RSL's Alvaro Saborio's foot. Saborio walked it into the box and tried to find someone to play the ball to and his attempt was broken up. But Kyle Beckerman was able to find the loose ball at the top of the penalty area and bury a strike past former RSL man, and current Union keeper, Chris Seitz.
Real Salt Lake seemed to break Philadelphia's spirit at that point and the away side started to make chippy, desperate fouls. One such foul, a reckless tackle by Arrieta on Will Johnson (which earned Arrieta a caution--not his day), led to Real's second goal. Javier Morales stepped up to the free kick just outside the area and swung the ball toward Seitz. Seitz was unable to control the attempt and Jamison Olave pounded into the back of the net. 2-0 RSL in minute 53.
The second half continued to be all Real Salt Lake , who really outclassed Philly in every department. Every ball seemed crisp and patient and Real was just winning everything that was even remotely up for grabs.
RSL was able to seal the deal in the 71st minute when Pablo Campos (a first half sub for Robbie Findley, who left the match with a back injury) layed a ball up to Saborio who put a precision header past Seitz.
Overall, a very impressive performance by Real, who now awaits the Thursday evening clash with bitter Western Conference foe, the Houston Dynamo.
Man of the Match: Kyle Beckerman was a monster today. A very special strike to start things off was only one of the many great hustle plays the Salt Lake captain made this afternoon.. When he plays his game, there are very few in the league that can affect a match the way he does.
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