Player Spotlight | Another Utah Debut for the Claret-and-Cobalt in Saturday Loss to NYCFC

by Josh Green

Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026

Despite logging more shots (RSL : 15, NYCFC : 6), shots on goal (RSL : 6, NYCFC: 3), and xG (RSL : 1.2, NYCFC : 0.4), RSL was denied by USMNT World Cup goalkeeper Matt Freese’s six saves, leaving the Claret-and-Cobalt empty-handed at home, extending its winless streak to 11 matches. With his final substitution of the night, RSL Head Coach Pablo Mastroeni called for number 18, bringing on newly-arrived former RSL Academy man Taylor Booth in the 76th minute, clearly a moment to remember for the Eden, Utah native.

As the elder Booth stepped onto the very pitch often occupied by his younger brother Zach over the last eight months for their hometown club, in front of 20,293 fellow Utahns at America first Field in Sandy, Taylor cemented himself into the RSL history books, becoming the 243rd all-time player to don the RSL crest in an MLS match. 

Asked about his home debut in the post-match press conference, Booth reflected:

“A surreal moment, to come back home and make my debut for this Club. Obviously that feels good, but we need three points, so sad also.”

A bittersweet moment for Booth, as he became the third Utahn to represent the Salt Lake crest this season, joining the aforementioned brother Zach, as well as current English Premier League footballer Zavier Gozo.

Booth would go on to add:

“I grew up every weekend coming here [America First Field], watching the games. It was the first Club that really made me fall in love with football. Coming back and playing today, it was very special to wear the crest again.”

Real Salt Lake remains on the Wasatch Front this upcoming Saturday, September 19, welcoming top-ranked Western Conference side Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Kickoff for the critical matchup is slated to kickoff at 7:30 p.m. MT, with tickets available for purchase here.