SANDY, Utah (AP) — Cristian “Chicho” Arango scored his ninth goal of the season to help Real Salt Lake beat Sporting Kansas City 1-0 on Saturday night.
Chicho is tied with Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi for the most goals in MLS this season. The 30-year-old striker has scored or assisted 16 of RSL’s 19 goals in 2024.
Real Salt Lake (6-2-3) has won three straight games and is undefeated in its last seven.
Brayan Vera sent a free kick from the right side towards the far post, where Chicho headed the ball out of bounds and over the outstretched arm of goalkeeper John Pulskamp to open the scoring in the 81st minute.
Zac MacMath made a save for Real Salt Lake. RSL has allowed just nine goals this season, tied with FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew for the fewest in MLS.
Kansas City (2-4-5) has conceded 12 goals during its current five-game winless streak (three losses, two draws).
23-year-old Homegrown John Pulskamp made three saves in his first appearance of the season for Sporting.
Kansas City defender Tim Leibold slid to deflect a Diego Luna shot from near the penalty spot that rolled just wide of the post in the 68th minute.
Real Salt Lake had 58% possession and beat Sporting 14-10, including 4-1 on target.
