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Anderson Julio’s first two MLS goals lift Real Salt Lake over Minnesota United

Apr 24, 2021; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Real Salt Lake forward Anderson Julio (29) celebrates after scoring a goal against Minnesota United in the first half at Allianz Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2021; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Real Salt Lake forward Anderson Julio (29) celebrates after scoring a goal against Minnesota United in the first half at Allianz Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Anderson Julio scored two goals in his MLS debut to lead Real Salt Lake to a 2-1 victory over Minnesota United on Saturday night in Saint Paul, Minn.

Rubio Rubin assisted on both of Julio’s goals for RSL (1-0-0, 3 points), which was playing in its season-opener after having a bye in the first week of the season. David Ochoa finished with one save.

Robin Lod scored a goal and Dayne St. Clair finished with two saves for Minnesota (0-2-0, 0 points). Justin McMaster had an assist.

The 24-year-old Julio was acquired on loan from San Luis in Mexico’s Liga MX to provide some firepower to a Real Salt Lake offense that managed a Western Division-worst 25 goals in 22 games during a 5-10-7 season in 2020. Julio didn’t disappoint, earning a brace in the first 41 minutes.

Julio’s first goal came in the 31st minute at the end of a fast break after Loon defender Romain Metanire’s long shot was blocked and caromed out to midfield. The Eucadorian forward then smashed a loose ball at the top of the 18-yard box into the top right corner of the net.

RSL then made it 2-0 in the 41st minute, taking advantage of a turnover by Chase Gasper, who was attempting to pass the ball to St. Clair in the box. Rubin intercepted the pass and then finished a 2-on-1 with a crossing pass to Julio breaking in on the left side. Julio then easily tapped it into an empty net.

Real Salt Lake nearly made it 3-0 in the 54th minute but St. Clair made a diving fingertip save on a header by Justen Glad off a pass from Albert Rusnak.

Lod cut it to 2-1 in the 86th minute with a spinning left-footed kick from the middle of the box past a diving Ochoa and into the left corner of the net. It was the first goal of the season for the Loons, who were blanked at Seattle, 4-0, in their opener.

The contest was the first played with fans at Allianz Field in 552 days, with a crowd of 4,100 on hand.

–Field Level Media

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