REAL SALT LAKE

Kreilach’s Crane Kick Shocks, Amazes In 3-2 Stunner Over LAFC

Nov 2, 2018, 8:07 AM | Updated: 8:15 am

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Real Salt Lake stunned the soccer world by beating the Los Angeles Football Club 3-2 in the knockout round of the MLS Cup Playoffs. It was their second goal that lit social media on fire – a Karate Kid-style “crane kick” that truly amazed.

It may have been the MLS goal of the year.

Damir Kreilach’s golazo was key in the win. His strike quickly went viral and left 22,000 LAFC fans at Banc of California stadium in stunned silence.

“That was unbelievable,” said captain Kyle Beckerman. “He’s a guy who puts in so much work. He’s such an unbelievable pro so when you see him with success with goals like that you’re just happy for him.”

The crane kick reminded many of a scene from the 1984 movie, “The Karate Kid,” when Daniel Larusso uses a crane kick taught to him by his master, Mr. Miyagi, to defeat Cobra Kai.

“When he struck it, I thought it was possibly going wide, but you know, the season he’s having, that stuff doesn’t go wide,” said RSL defender Nedum Onuoha. “It was a truly great finish.”

Kreilach’s crane kick helped RSL finally sweep the leg of LAFC, the bully that beat them twice this season by a combined score of 7-1.

Damir was voted the club’s most valuable player by his teammates and he showed why in RSL’s 3-2 win over LAFC in the knockout round.

RSL fell behind 2-1 in the 55th minute after LAFC’s Christian Ramirez put his team ahead. Kreilach’s crane kick was the equalizer just 3 minutes later and his kick in the 69th minute was deflected by LAFC’s Walker Zimmerman into the net for an own goal.

His heroics help Real Salt Lake move onto the Western Conference Semifinals. They host hated rival Sporting KC at Rio Tinto Stadium in the 1st leg on Sunday at 8 p.m. The game will be broadcast on Fox Sports 1.

Visit KSLSports.com for more headlines from RSL’s playoff run.

KSL 5 TV Live

Real Salt Lake

FILE: General view of Rio Tinto Stadium before the Seattle Sounders play Real Salt Lake on March 12...

Bridger Beal-Cvetko

Real Salt Lake, Utah Royals to pay for out-of-state abortions for employees

Real Salt Lake and the Utah Royals teams say they will reimburse employees up to $4,000 if employees seek abortions or other out-of-state medical care that is unavailable in Utah.

9 months ago

Real Salt Lake announces a radio partnership with KSL Sports. (KSL Sports)...

KSL TV

Real Salt Lake, KSL Sports Zone announce radio partnership

Real Salt Lake, KSL Sports Zone and KSL Newsradio announced a new radio partnership Thursday. All Real Salt Lake English-language radio coverage for the 2023 season and beyond will be carried on various KSL radio signals beginning with Saturday’s season-opening kickoff at Vancouver.

10 months ago

FILE: General view of Rio Tinto Stadium before the Seattle Sounders play Real Salt Lake on March 12...

Garna Mejia

Fans React To Announcement Of Plans To Sell Real Salt Lake

Several fans reacted to the announcement that RSL club owner Dell Loy Hansen is putting his franchise up for sale, saying they hope this is a turning point for all three teams — Real Salt Lake, FC Royals, and the Real Monarchs. 

3 years ago

KSL TV & KSL Sports

How to Watch RSL on KSL, FAQs & Troubleshooting Tips

KSL TV and KSLSports.com are proud to partner with Real Salt Lake to bring you live digital coverage of team's games. There are a number of ways to watch on your digital devices.

4 years ago

FILE: General view of Rio Tinto Stadium before the Seattle Sounders play Real Salt Lake on March 12...

KSL TV

Former RSL GM Craig Waibel Subpoenaed In Former Coach’s Case

Former RSL GM Craig Waibel has been issued a subpoena to testify and produce documents in the ongoing legal dispute between former RSL coach Mike Petke and the team, according to court documents. The club later filed a motion to dismiss, citing league rules requiring arbitration under the league's commissioner.

4 years ago

Austin Facer, KSL Sports

Real Salt Lake Unveils 2019 Uniform Kit

Real Salt Lake has unveiled a new uniform kit in advance of the 2019 season. The primarily white kit is designated as the away set, but the white jersey will be worn in the regular season home opener on March 9.

5 years ago

Sponsored Articles

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Users display warnings about the use of artificial intelligence (AI), access to malicious software ...

Les Olson

How to Stay Safe from Cybersecurity Threats

Read our tips for reading for how to respond to rising cybersecurity threats in 2023 and beyond to keep yourself and your company safe.

Design mockup half in white and half in color of luxury house interior with open plan living room a...

Lighting Design

Lighting Design 101: Learn the Basics

These lighting design basics will help you when designing your home, so you can meet both practical and aesthetic needs.

an antler with large horns int he wilderness...

Three Bear Lodge

Yellowstone in the Fall: A Wildlife Spectacle Worth Witnessing

While most people travel to this park in the summer, late fall in Yellowstone provides a wealth of highlights to make a memorable experience.

a diverse group of students raising their hands in a classroom...

Little Orchard Preschool

6 Benefits of Preschool for Kids

Some of the benefits of preschool for kids include developing independence, curiosity, and learning more about the world.

Kreilach’s Crane Kick Shocks, Amazes In 3-2 Stunner Over LAFC