In a defensive battle Saturday night, Rimando was the star, helping Salt Lake keep the Portland Timbers scoreless by making three spectacular saves in the 1-0 win.
In the 19th minute, Portland midfielder Darlington Nagbe received a pass in the midfield, beat three Salt Lake players and ripped a shot from point-blank range toward the upper 90. Rimando made a reaction save and punched the ball over the net to keep the game deadlocked at 0-0.
Rimando’s final save came in the 88th minute with Salt Lake up 1-0. Fernandez intercepted a pass in the Salt Lake’s defensive third and fired a left-footed shot from right outside the box toward the upper corner of the net. Rimando made a leaping save to preserve the shutout and ensure the victory.
This is the second Player of the Week honor for Rimando this season. Real Salt Lake return to action this Saturday at home against Vancouver Whitecaps FC (9:30 p.m. ET., MLS Live).