Real Salt Lake fell 2-1 to the Philadelphia Union in a hard-fought battle at Subaru Park on October 9.
The loss brings Real Salt Lake's road record for the season to 1-10-3, as the club has not won an away match since March 7 at Atlanta.
The match featured several notable player appearances and debuts. Canadian international Luc de Fougerolles made his RSL and MLS debut, becoming the 245th all-time player for the club. In his debut, de Fougerolles provided an assist for Saba Lobjanidze, who scored his third goal in his last six games.
Additionally, Utah native Zach Booth and Australian striker Ari Piol returned from long-term injuries to see action. Booth appeared for the first time since suffering a hamstring injury on August 15, while Piol returned two months ahead of schedule following an Achilles rupture suffered on February 28.
The Philadelphia Union opened the scoring in the 31st minute when Bruno Damiani scored with a right-footed strike following a cross from Frankie Westfield. Milan Iloski later added a second goal in the 81st minute after a chaotic sequence following a save by Rafael Cabral.
Real Salt Lake attempted a late comeback, with Lobjanidze scoring in the 96+ minute off a pass from de Fougerolles. However, the late goal was insufficient to overcome the Union, who secured their seventh consecutive MLS victory.
Real Salt Lake enters this stretch with 32 points and a 12th West / 21st MLS Shield ranking. The Philadelphia Union holds 42 points and sits 6th West / 11th MLS Shield.
The Union enters the match as one of the hottest teams in MLS, having captured 32 of a possible 36 points in 12 games following the World Cup.
Real Salt Lake returns to America First Field on Wednesday, October 14, to host the San Jose Earthquakes. Kickoff for the midweek match is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. MT.
