RSL snaps losing skid with key road win over Chivas USA

Real Salt Lake, with a 1-0 win over Chivas USA on Saturday night, avoided a three-game Major League Soccer losing streak for the first time in the Jason Kreis era.

And like most of the season for RSL, the victory didn't come without a healthy dose of adversity.

Real Salt Lake won without the services of Nat Borchers, who departed early in the match due to a red card. RSL won, despite having to play most of the match with 10 men, for the fourth time this season.

And Real Salt Lake emerged victorious, despite not being able to mount much of an offensive attack for the majority of the match.

Borchers, the veteran defender, tweeted during the match, and apologized to RSL fans.

"No one to blame but myself on that one," Borchers said. "I'm sorry to my teammates and the fans. If any team can pull this one out, it's us."

Borchers was right on the money. In breaking a two-game losing streak, Real Salt Lake turned in one of its better defensive performances of the season, in a match it had to have.

As a result, Nick Rimando notched his 49th shutout in his 133 game career. RSL moves to 11-7-6 on the season and will surely feel much better in its match next Saturday.

Forward Alvaro Saborio notched the one and only goal of the match in the 11th minute, forcing a turnover deep in the Chivas zone and taking advantage. It was his seventh MLS goal of the season, which ties him for the team lead.

From there, Real Salt Lake simply turned in a stout defensive effort. Whenever Chivas threatened to score, Rimando was there to make a big play. And RSL came up with just enough of an offensive push to keep things honest. —

Highlights

R Alvaro Saborio scores in the 11th minute.

• Real Salt Lake notches its 24th point.

• RSL moves to 11-7-6 on the season.