Real Salt Lake: Jordan Allen's late goal leads RSL past Red Bulls

Tucson, Ariz. • Jordan Allen scored a goal in the 83rd minute here Tuesday to lead Real Salt Lake to a 1-0 victory over the New York Red Bulls in a preseason game the at Kino Sports Complex

RSL coach Jeff Cassar used two different lineups, one in each half, in the match as his club continues to build its fitness in the early stages of preseason.

In a scoreless first half, RSL was able to generate several scoring opportunities by springing the counter attack and beating New York with early balls in behind the defense. Joao Plata had two such chances narrowly miss in a short span. On the first, he got free up the left side, then cut a right-footed shot that glanced just beyond the far post. On the next, he cut back to his left foot on a run in the box and shot to the far post only to have it hit the upright and bounce back into New York goalkeeper Ryan Meara's hands.

During the half, the returning forward tandem of Yura Movsisyan and Plata were matched up with Luis Silva, and the newly reacquired midfielder showed good interplay with the duo, as well as midfielder Luke Mulholland.

In the second half, RSL continued to buzz around the field, even while New York controlled much of the tempo. Finally in the 83rd minute, the defensive pressure got to the Red Bulls when a misplayed ball caromed to forward Ricardo Velazco on the left side. He pushed up the wing, then crossed the ball between two defenders to find Allen at the far post, just beyond his marker, for a diving header to find the back of the net and secure the victory.

Next up for RSL is the second and final match of the Tucson leg of preseason on Friday against the San Jose Earthquakes. The match kicks off at 11 a.m. MST with a live stream at RSL.com.