Why didn’t the Union earn three points at home against Real Salt Lake? Peter Nowak told reporters after the game that “We talked in the locker room about pushing for a second goal. That was my point to the guys…We gave [Real Salt Lake] a chance to come back and in one shot, that’s it, the game is over.” And, according to the numbers, Nowak is right: by the end full time, RSL managed to record just one shot on goal and that was enough to secure a draw.

First Half v Second Half

As was evident to anyone who saw the game, the Union peppered the RSL’s goal in the first half, registering eight shots. Five of those shots—from Mwanga (5′), Daniel (goal, 24′), Valdes (26′), Marfan, (27′) and Williams (32′) were on goal with two shots from Le Toux and another from Valdes being off target. By comparison, RSL managed one shot, which was not on goal.

The Union’s shot total dropped to four in the second half, with Le Toux (73′) and Califf (89) on target. RSL registered four shots in the second half, three of which were off target. The only one that wasn’t was Espindola’s goal.

Match stats

The Union’s 12 attempts on goal is the most since the Toronto game and the third highest of the past five games. The six shots on target is the most since the Toronto game and also the third highest total of the past five games. The number of corner kicks earned is the most recorded by the Union since detailed statistics became available beginning with the San Jose game. This is also true of the number of open play crosses.

The 373 passes is the most recorded since the Dallas game. But, continuing a trend that began with the Chicago game, the Union was once again out-passed by, and enjoyed lesser possession, than their opponent. Passing accuracy compared to the last game and at 70% is the third highest of the past five games.

Offensive stats

Keon Daniel’s goal brings the number of Union players who have scored to ten, a league best they share with Los Angeles Galaxy, FC Dallas, and Seattle Sounders. Three Union defenders contributed four shots—Califf, Valdes and two from Williams—and each of those three registered one shot on goal.

Le Toux registered the most shots with four, followed by Mwanga and Williams, each with two. In case anyone was wondering, it was Le Toux who was charged with being offside to nullify his goal. Clearly a bad call.

The second half offensive substitutions—Mapp, McInereny and Torres—recorded no shots or shots on goal.

Home v Away

As the Union prepare to travel to Vancouver, the chart below looks at the Union’s record at home compared to on the road. At home, Vancouver averages 1.57 goals, conceding 1.43.

Team stats

The Union have scored 16 goals, allowing 11, the same number of assists recorded by the team. The Union are one of three teams in the Eastern Conference with a positive goal differential, their +5, being second to New York’s +8 and above Houston’s +1. In comparison, seven Western Conference teams have a positive goal differential, led by LA’s +8.