Clarets sign off US tour with 4-1 defeat

Burnley concluded their US pre-season tour with a 4-1 defeat to MLS side Real Salt Lake.

New boss Nicky Hayen took his first game from the dugout having opted to take a watching brief for the opening two friendlies against FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew.

The Clarets named a strong starting XI and only made wholesale changes in the 65th minute, when the scoreline remained at 2-1 in favour of the home side.

But Real Salt Lake (RSL) ran in a further two goals to run out comfortable winners, as Burnley succumbed to their second defeat in three games.

Despite the result, it was another opportunity for players to get priceless minutes into their legs ahead of their return to East Lancashire.

Armando Broja squandered the chance to give the visitors an ideal start when he had a penalty saved in the fourth minute, having been fouled for the spot kick himself.

The game remained goalless until the stroke of half time, when Sergi Solans broke the deadlock for the home side, slotting past Max Weiss after being played through on goal.

But the Clarets weren’t behind for long, levelling through Florentino Luis’ drilled effort from the edge of the box 10 minutes into the second half.

RSL soon restored their lead, however, as Zavier Gozo made it 2-1, before the MLS outfit ran in a further two goals during the final 20 minutes, Solans scoring his second before Diego Luna converted an 82nd minute penalty.

Upon returning to the UK, Burnley are next in action on Sunday, July 26 when they travel to Amsterdam to face Ajax.

Further home games against Espanyol and Torino follow before the competitive season gets underway with a Carabao Cup tie against Notts County.

TEAMS

Real Salt Lake: Cabral, Yedlin, Quinton, Engel, Sanabria, Gozo, Spierings, Caliskan, Guilavogui, Luna, Solans

Burnley: Weiss, Walker (Pimlott), Roberts (Sonne), Humphreys (Worrall), Pires (Campbell), Laurent (Ramsey), Florentino (Castell), Tresor (McMahon-Brown), Banel (Koleosho), Bruun Larsen (Savage), Broja (Hountondji)