In a dramatic Wild Card showdown at Providence Park, Real Salt Lake’s postseason hopes came down to 90 minutes of heart, grit and determination. Despite falling 3-1 away to the Portland Timbers, the Claret-and-Cobalt showcased the resilience that has defined their 2025 campaign. Anchored by Justen Glad’s momentum-shifting header, Braian Ojeda’s tireless midfield presence, and Diogo Gonçalves’ creative spark, RSL battled until the final whistle - proving once again its identity is built on effort, belief and unity, even in the face of adversity.
Glad’s Grit: A Momentum-Shifting Header Showcases RSL’s Resilience
Though the Wild Card clash against Portland ended in defeat, Real Salt Lake’s fight never wavered, and Glad was the heart of that hope.
In the 38th minute, with RSL trailing 2-0, Gonçalves sent a dangerous cross towards the box, and with perfect timing, Glad rose above the Portland defense and met the ball with a precise header, burying it into the back of the net to cut the deficit in half. The goal, Glad’s first since his five-goal campaign in 2023, reignited energy on the field and gave the team new life heading into halftime.
Even in a tough result, Glad’s performance stood out as a reminder of his decade-plus of consistency, the kind of player who refuses to let the game end without leaving everything on the field.
Midfield Engine: Ojeda and Gonçalves Drive RSL’s Attacking Pulse
In a match defined by narrow margins, Ojeda and Gonçalves were at the heart of Real Salt Lake’s fight back - combining relentless energy with creative precision to keep the Claret-and-Cobalt within reach.
Ojeda, the Paraguayan international, once again demonstrated why he’s the engine of RSL’s midfield. Covering nearly six miles over 90 minutes, Ojeda dictated tempo from box to box, constantly connecting play and applying pressure in transition. His vision nearly produced an early equalizer in the 33rd minute, when he sent a curling cross into the area that found Gonçalves, whose header narrowly sailed over the bar. Ojeda’s work rate and consistency set the tone for RSL’s aggressive second-half push.
Gonçalves, meanwhile, provided the creative spark that ignited RSL’s comeback hopes. In the 38th minute, his perfectly-placed delivery met Glad for a thunderous header that halved Portland’s lead and reignited belief across the squad. Throughout the match, the Portuguese winger’s precision and composure on the ball consistently stretched the Timbers’ back line—creating space for overlapping runs from DeAndre Yedlin and Zavier Gozo on the flanks.
As the second half unfolded, Gonçalves continued to press forward, unleashing a driven shot from distance in the 54th minute that skimmed just wide of the post. His creativity and connection with Ojeda underscored RSL’s attacking rhythm, illustrating how the duo’s balance of endurance and finesse fuels the team’s midfield identity.
Looking Ahead
Although Real Salt Lake ultimately fell in a heartbreaking 3–1 loss, the performance showcased the team’s resilience and ability to create chances under pressure. Glad’s goal, combined with Rafa Cabral’s heroics and relentless attacking waves from Yedlin, Gozo and Ojeda, underscored RSL’s fight and unity on the postseason stage.
As the Claret-and-Cobalt look toward the 2026 season, this match will serve as both a reminder of their progress and a foundation for what’s to come—anchored by the same defensive grit and attacking spirit that defines Real Salt Lake.
