Real Salt Lake dominated Portland Timbers 2–0 in an MLS encounter that reflected a stark difference in attacking threat and defensive solidity. The hosts' 3–4–2–1 setup proved effective against Portland's 4–2–3–1, with Salt Lake generating 25 shots including 15 on target, accumulating 3.77 expected goals and converting two chances through Zavier Gozo and Diego Luna. Portland managed only 11 shots with just 2 on target, registering a meagre 1.15 xG, indicating they rarely troubled Salt Lake's goalkeeper, who made saves at an 86.67 per cent rate and prevented 2.7 goals above expected value. The visitors' lack of incisiveness in the final third proved decisive; Salt Lake's defensive structure and superior shot volume created an insurmountable gap. Mendoza's officiating went largely uncontested across a one-sided affair. This result underscores Salt Lake's current attacking prowess against struggling opposition.