Player Spotlight | Defense Shines, Lobjanidze and Guilavogui Score in 2-1 Victory at Austin

By Mickinley Briggs

Real Salt Lake secured a vital 2-1 victory over Austin FC on Wednesday night, coming from behind for the third time this year with a gutsy defensive performance and second-half goals from attackers Saba Lobjanidze and Morgan Guilavogui. The road triumph at Q2 Stadium was a crucial away victory that eliminated Austin from playoff contention and earned RSL a pivotal three points as the Club strives to keep postseason hopes alive with two games remaining.

RSL’s Back Line Stands Out

Salt Lake’s defensive line delivered a standout performance at Austin, repeatedly making critical stops in its second 90 of this three-game week. RSL Captain Rafael Cabral provided several key saves to prevent the rivals from converting, showcasing his talent and clearing away a dangerous corner kick in just the third minute. The goalkeeper remained sharp late throughout the match, making another fine save in the 91st minute to deny the opposition.

Emeefimg young defender Kobi Henry made his presence felt in the defensive third, denying a breakaway opportunity in the eighth minute with a sliding block. Henry continued to shut down attacking chances in the second half, sliding in for another crucial stop in the 59th minute, before making one final defensive effort in the 90th minute.

It’s Saba Time! 

After Austin went ahead in the 52nd minute, notching the first goal of the match after a tense back-and-forth first 50 minutes, RSL responded defiantly when Juan Manual Sanabria sent a perfectly-timed ball to Lobjanidze in the middle. The Georgian curled the ball into the far right corner of the net, equalizing just 150 seconds after Austin’s lead.

Lobjanidze arrived on the Salt Lake scene in early July, making his first appearance for the Club later that month against the Portland Timbers. His first goal came in a 2-2 draw against LAFC, and since, the midfielder has been a vital piece for the Claret-and-Cobalt, his equalizing goal in Austin marking his fourth in the last 10 matches.

Another Guilavogui Goal Away

Yet again, RSL Designated Player Morgan Guilavogui was a force to be reckoned with, creating multiple attempts on goal throughout the first half. In the 34th minute, the Guinean international utilized a decoy from midfielder Noel Caliskan, sending the ball rocketing towards the goal, only to slam off the crossbar. 

The Frenchman finished his chance in the 61st minute, when rookie Sergi Solans countered up the pitch, sending the ball over to Guilavogui, who buried his chance to score the game-winner, ultimately securing at least six of nine possible points this week, ahead of San Jose on Saturday. Guilavogui has been a vital asset for the Club this year, having amassed double-digit assists, a first career brace in a 3-1 win at Sporting Kansas City, and five goals during the 2026 campaign, including three in the last two road games.

Looking Ahead

Real Salt Lake now travels to PayPal Park to battle the San Jose Earthquakes in a Halloween matinee on Saturday, with kickoff set for 3:00 p.m. MT. The Claret-and-Cobalt will then return home to host a crucial Decision Day battle with the LA Galaxy on Saturday, November 7 (kickoff at 5:00 p.m.) at America First Field in Sandy, its regular-season finale of 2026. Tickets for the match are available for purchase here.