Real Salt Lake Blasts Revolution, Solidifies Playoff Position

Real Salt Lake went ahead early and put four past New England to solidify their spot in the Western Conference playoffs.

SANDY, Utah — Nick Besler, Sebastian Saucedo and Corey Baird scored in the first 30 minutes and Real Salt Lake eased past the New England Revolution 4-1 on Thursday night.

Salt Lake (14-12-7) is sixth in the Western Conference—two points shy of Portland, which will host RSL on Sunday. New England (9-13-11) hasn't won at Rio Tinto Stadium in seven meetings, going 0-5-2.

Besler scored his first MLS goal in the fourth minute on a sliding finish of Baird's cross at the end of a counter attack. Saucedo made it 2-0 in the 14th with a rolling finish inside the near post.

Baird, a rookie, scored his eighth goal of the season in the 29th with a breakaway shot that froze goalkeeper Brad Knighton. Damir Kreilach scored his 12th goal on a header in the 50th for a 4-0 lead.

New England scored in the 69th on Kelyn Rowe's header. Teal Bunbury's penalty-kick attempt in the 35th minute was denied by goalkeeper Nick Rimando.