Late own goal snaps RSL's streak
Own goal in 89th minute spells end to five-match unbeaten run
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- Highlights: KC 1, RSL 0
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Wizards midfielder Davy Arnaud blasted a free kick from about 20 yards out, aimed for center back Jimmy Conrad. But RSL defender Tony Beltran won the header -- but sent it high into the top of the goal for the game-winner.
The victory put an end to the Wizards' seven-game match winless streak, and ended RSL's club-record unbeaten streak.
Despite coming off three consecutive shutouts, the Wizards had the most and the best chances.
Forward Scott Sealy connected from 14 yards out in the fifth minute, but his low shot was easy pickings for Salt Lake goalkeeper Nick Rimando. Midfielder Claudio Lopez shot ambitiously but well from 30 yards four minutes later, but the curving attempt sailed wide and high.
The visitors nearly jumped on top in the 29th minute as Kenny Deuchar muscled his way between two Wizards defenders but was denied by an Aaron Hohlbein block, his second of the night. This time though, an opportunist Javier Morales followed with a skillful chip that was tantalizingly close to ducking under the Wizards' crossbar.
The back line of Real seemed intent to frustrate the Wizards' attack, and they were successful for most of the match. They slowed down the K.C. offense, and tightened their defensive grip.
After the break, however, the Wizards began to string together passes. They had an excellent chance on goal that culminated with a Sealy blast that soared over the crossbar in the 63rd minute.
The Wizards kept attacking the middle of the RSL defense. But RSL was up to the challenge, consistently clearing away wayward passes. Rookie Chance Myers, a 78th-minute substitution for center back Aaron Hohlbein, jumped on a cross from Lopez and chipped for goal only to see the ball clear the bar.
The RSL defense set up the counterattacks, but the Wizards defense was also up to the task. They diffused the threat by successfully marking defenders, gaining control of the ball and starting a counterattack of their own.
Real Salt Lake's Tino Nunez kept the Wizards alert at the other end in the 74th minute with a low screamer from the right side that Hartman smothered at his left post.
Finally, with a little help, the Wizards found reward for their pressure in the 89th minute. Ryan Pore drew a free kick 20 yards out on the left wing after another pass from Lopez. Arnaud took the kick with his right boot and sent the ball for captain Jimmy Conrad in the middle of the box. Beltran won the heading duel, but still sent the ball into his own net past a beleaguered Rimando.
The Wizards threatened to add an insurance goal but Sealy, after rounding Rimando on the dribble, saw Real defender Nat Borchers there to stop the shot at the base of the near post.
Thomas Foote is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
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