Real Salt Lake may have come up short on the scoreboard against LAFC, but its performance at BMO Stadium showed grit, growth, and moments of promise in one of the league’s toughest environments. Despite not securing the road win, RSL battled from the first whistle, refusing to back down in a high-stakes atmosphere. While not the result the squad had hoped for, the fight and flashes of quality offer positives to build on as the Claret-and-Cobalt fight in the final four games for a spot in the playoffs.
Although unable to come away with three points, the match wasn’t without its standout moments. From gritty defensive moments to flashes of individual brilliance, RSL showed plenty of fight. One moment that stood above the rest? Brayan Vera with a rocket of a goal, a strike that not only gave the visitors an early spark, but also marked his second consecutive year scoring a goal at LAFC and his first of the 2025 season.
Vera’s Comeback Strike: From Tough Stretch to Top Shelf
Vera is typically a rock-solid presence on the backline for Real Salt Lake, finding himself in the right positioning to stop offensive attacks and helping the Claret-and-Cobalt through many tough defensive battles throughout his time in Utah. Recently the Colombian defender endured a challenging stretch that tested his resilience. Known for his no-nonsense defending and physicality, Vera uncharacteristically found himself on the wrong end of two own goals in consecutive matches.
True to his fighting spirit, Vera responded in dominant fashion, rifling a thunderous strike into the net in the 14th minute Sunday to give RSL an early jolt of momentum. It was a statement goal, one that not only showcased his ability to impact the game at both ends but also reignited belief, fueling the visiting team with purpose as they stepped into the hostile, high-pressure environment of BMO Stadium. The goal came off of a powerful shot from outside of the box, showcasing the power he is known for.
The strike marked the Colombian’s first goal of the 2025 season and couldn’t have come at a better time. Blasting the ball past LAFC’s keeper with confidence and precision, Vera’s early finish injected energy and belief into a Real Salt Lake side looking to bounce back from the recent loss to LAFC just a few days prior.
Vera is a colorful and passionate defender whose fiery style reflects both his personality and his pride in representing Colombia. Never one to shy away from a tackle or a high-stakes moment, he plays with heart on his sleeve and an edge that energizes his teammates. Whether he's shutting down attackers or bringing the ball forward with purpose, Vera brings an unmistakable intensity rooted in his love for the game and deep connection to his homeland.
One of the clearest displays of Vera’s passion came earlier this season, when he consistently wore his jersey tucked into his shorts during both training sessions and matches in the first half of the year. The Colombian proudly explained that the gesture was inspired by Andrés Escobar, the star defender for the Colombian national team in the 1990s. Vera remembers Escobar fondly, not only as a gentleman on and off the pitch, but also as a player who carried immense pride in the game he played and the people he represented. The jersey tuck was a tribute to Escobar and a quiet nod to the kind of player Vera aspires to be, both on and off the field.
It felt like a goal from Vera was just a matter of time. The defender had been knocking on the door all season with several close chances, and his persistence finally paid off in spectacular fashion. While the final result wasn’t what the team or fans had hoped for, moments like Vera’s strike and a series of crucial saves from goalkeeper Rafael Cabral serve as reminders of the fight still burning within this Real Salt Lake squad. Strong performances like these will be key as the Claret-and-Cobalt continue pushing to find its form late in matches and battle for a spot in the playoffs.
Real Salt Lake returns to America First Field this Saturday, September 27, to host Austin FC in the hunt for a playoff spot. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30p MT and tickets are available for purchase here.
