Los Angeles FC 1-1 Real Salt Lake: Claret and Cobalt rue missed opportunities in top of the table cl

Los Angeles FC remain in the hunt for the MLS Supporters’ Shield despite being held to a 1-1 draw with fellow contenders Real Salt Lake at the BMO Stadium.

Cristian Olivera opened the scoring early on, only for Brayan Vera’s free-kick to level the scores in a game full of missed opportunities for the visitors.

After falling to a 5-1 defeat to Columbus Crew last time out, an instant response was required by Steve Cherundolo’s side, and they did just that in the fifth minute.

Having returned from Uruguay’s third-place finish at the Copa America, Olivera pounced on a mistake by Salt Lake keeper Zac MacMath to net his fifth goal of the season.

MacMath almost presented the hosts with another opportunity to increase their lead as he gave the ball away to Mateusz Bogusz just inside his own half, but, the Pole’s speculative effort was tipped over by the Salt Lake captain.

Having withstood the early pressure from LAFC, Vera would draw his side level in the 33rd minute as he took aim from distance, with the outstretched foot of Ilie Sanchez deflecting the ball beyond Hugo Lloris.

Diego Luna went close to giving the visitors early in the second half as Eduard Atuesta’s free-kick stung the palms of MacMath.

Pablo Mastroeni’s side registered 19 shots in the contest, 10 of which came inside LAFC’s penalty area, with only two of those on target.

LAFC face the Seattle Sounders this weekend while Real Salt Lake travel to Colorado Rapids ahead of the Leagues Cup break.

Stalemate.#LAFCvRSL pic.twitter.com/61DQXcsvOg

— LAFC (@LAFC) July 18, 2024