- Real Salt Lake defeated Colorado Rapids 1-0 at American First Field Saturday.
- Diogo Goncalves scored the winning goal moving RSL into ninth place.
- Coach Mastroeni praised goalkeeper Rafael Cabral's performance and leadership as crucial.
SANDY — The stage is set for a season-ending playoff run for Real Salt Lake after a 1-0 win over the Colorado Rapids Saturday night at American First Field.
RSL got a goal from Diogo Goncalves in the 39th minute after Rwan Cruz made a perfect pass to the centre box where Goncalves was waiting to shelf it top left corner. RSL got a much needed 3 points to move the team into ninth place, which is a potential playoff play-in position.
"Ninth place isn't something we're throwing a party for," head coach Pablo Mastroeni said. "We've been through a lot this season, and the group knows the job isn't done. The guys said it themselves after the game — we can't relax."
RSL had to stop a flurry of Colorado chances in extra time, including two clutch saves by goalkeeper Rafael Cabral. Mastroeni said he believes his goalkeeper is next to none in Major League Soccer.
"I think Rafa is probably the best goalkeeper in this league, tonight he showed it and proved it." Mastroeni said. "We wouldn't have the possibility of getting into the playoffs without Rafa this year. He gave an inspirational speech to the team before the game, and his performance was just as inspirational."
RSL defender Justen Glad made his 311th appearance for the club Saturday, moving him into third all-time. Glad helped anchor the defense that faced 17 shots from the Rapids.
"We all know what's on the line right now. We've had our sights set on the playoffs all year," Glad said. "It's that time of year where it's going to take a little more to win games. You're going to get defeated every once in a while, and it's how quick you can bounce back. I think we've shown that we're quite resilient in the matter. Now we have two games left and we know what we have to do."
With two matches remaining on the road at Seattle and St. Louis, RSL now controls its postseason destiny.
"The pressure is really on us to stay true to who we are and the way we want to play," Mastroeni said. "It's not about just getting the result, it's about how you do it.
"You're going to make mistakes, and that's fine, but it's about how you react and inspire your teammates with your quality and courage on the ball. Down the stretch, it can't be too tactical because there's so much pressure on every game. It has to come from intuition — from a place of feel."
RSL will travel to face the Seattle Sounders Friday before concluding the season in St. Louis on Oct. 18.
