By: Avery Romney
Sunday, Mar 1, 2026
The Claret-and-Cobalt set the tone for 2026 with a 2-1 win at America First Field against Seattle on Saturday night. Coming off a narrow opening-week loss against Vancouver the weekend before, Real Salt Lake set out to shift the narrative in Sandy. With two impressive goals from young, emerging contributors Aiden Hezarkhani and Ariath Piol, RSL delivered three points to the 20,660 fans in attendance.
RSL Head Coach Pablo Mastroeni mixed unproven youth with MLS experience in his starting XI for a second consecutive week, and it paid dividends early as the Utah side maintained energy and momentum through both halves, formulating a steady chemistry.
Aiden Hezarkhani: The First of Many
18-year-old attacker Aiden Hezarkhani scored his first career goal in just his fourth-ever MLS appearance to kick off Saturday’s match. Just 23 minutes into the first half, 17-year-old Luca Moisa sent a pass to Uruguayan World Cup hopeful Juan Manuel Sanabria, making his Club/League debut. Sanabria sent a dangerous ball from the top of the box far post to create a sizzling left-footed, one-touch, half-volley finish from Hezarkhani, one that whizzed just under the bar and out of reach for Seattle GK Andrew Thomas, bringing America First Field to its feet.
Hezarkhani’s debut goal crowned him the ninth-youngest player to score a goal for RSL, alongside Zavier Gozo (four in 2025), Freddy Adu (one in 2007), and the youngest-ever, Luis Gil (two in 2011 and one in 2012). Aiden's breakthrough is a testament to the Club’s "winning together through development" ethos seizing the spotlight.
With Saturday's win, RSL is now 47-10-18 when scoring first during the Pablo Mastroeni era.
Ariath Piol: Early Second-Half Strike
RSL didn’t waste any time doubling its lead after the break. Just two minutes into the second half, last year's breakout Academy player, Utah native Zavier Gozo, received a strategic long ball down the right flank from DF Philip Quinton, Gozo using his speed to beat the defender and deliver a simple cross atop the six to Piol, ready in the box to attack. With a one-touch, right footed finish, the ball found the back of the net for the eventual game-winner.
by giving RSL the 2-0 lead, Piol logged his second career RSL and MLS goal, his last being against San Diego on March 8, 2025. Now his second year in the club, Piol now holds two goals and two assists after appearing in 26 total games.
The Claret-and-Cobalt’s early lead is what ultimately allowed for a home win, as the stakes were raised in the 62nd minute. Seattle’s Christian Roldan headed the ball past RSL’s Rafael Cabral off a corner kick, bringing the score to 2-1. Although there were more thrilling opportunities for both teams - RSL seeing Designated Player Morgan Guilavogui and rookie attacker Sergi Solans each narrowly denied from their first-ever RSL goals - keeping fans on their toes, the lead holding firm until the final whistle.
Looking Ahead
Hezarkhani’s historic first goal and Piol’s clinical second-half finish offer an early glimpse into what RSL’s evolving attack can become. The continued development of young talent alongside established players gives Head Coach Pablo Mastroeni multiple dynamic options in the final third.
As the Claret-and-Cobalt build momentum from its home opening victory, the focus now turns to consistency. RSL will look to carry that energy into next Saturday’s matchup at Atlanta United FC on the road and then back at home on Sat., March 14 against Austin FC. Tickets for the next home match are available for purchase here.
