By Javier Mico-Crump
Following a heartbreaking late concession that cost Real Salt Lake three points against San Jose, the Claret-and-Cobalt are back on the road this Saturday, October 17, playing its third and final game of the week against Kansas City at Sporting Park. Desperate to claim its second away win of the season amidst a chaotic playoff push with no margin for error, RSL will hope to replicate its recent history against Kansas City, against whom the Utah side has dominated since 2024.
This edition of Storylines explores RSL’s recent history against one of its biggest Western rivals and analyzes the Claret-and-Cobalt’s chances at playoffs with just five MLS games remaining.
Real Salt Lake vs. Sporting Kansas City - A Legendary Western Rivalry
Sporting Kansas City has long been one of RSL’s fiercest rivals, and the matchups between the two sides have yielded memorable moments such as the 2011 preseason brawl and the 2013 MLS Cup Final. Having met a total of 42 times since the Claret-and-Cobalt joined the league in 2005, RSL has a significant lead over Kansas City in the clubs’ all-time MLS series, holding a record of 20-12-10 (W-L-T). Real Salt Lake has also been the more dominant offensive side, scoring 63 goals in that span compared to Sporting’s 51. On Saturday, however, Kansas City will have home field advantage, where the scales have been historically balanced. Across RSL’s 20 games at Sporting Park, the visitors have won six times, losing seven and drawing seven as well, dating back to the first matchup in July, 2005.
If recent encounters are any indication, however, Saturday’s matchup may be RSL’s to lose. Mastroeni and Co. are unbeaten in their last five meetings with Kansas City - a streak dating back to May 4, 2024 - with the last loss to Sporting coming in October, 2023. In the last outing between the two sides, RSL enjoyed a dominant display, outshooting Sporting 22-5 en route to a 3-1 victory at America First Field. The home side’s three goalscorers on the night were all 23 or younger, coming from current Club Golden Boot leader Sergi Solans, “Moon Man” Diego Luna, and recently-transferred Crystal Palace player and RSL homegrown Zavier Gozo. While Luna is out with a season-ending knee injury, Solans will look to replicate his previous performance and exploit a Kansas City defense on pace to set a new MLS record for worst goal differential in a season.
RSL’s Playoff Race Reaches Final Stage
WIth just five MLS regular-season games remaining, every point is crucial for RSL as it looks to secure a spot in the 2026 playoffs. Following the draw against San Jose, the Claret-and-Cobalt currently sit tied with Portland for 10th place in the West, five points behind the Colorado Rapids, who hold the 9th and final playoff spot. Following Saturday’s matchup, RSL will return to the Wasatch Front to face the red-hot St. Louis City FC, a squad that is unbeaten in its last 21 matches - an MLS record. After a final two-game road trip featuring a visit to Austin FC and a rematch in San Jose, RSL will conclude the season with a Decision Day clash at home against LA Galaxy, who currently sit in 8th place in the West, having played one more game than the rest of the West pursuers. Statistics suggest the Utah side’s playoff chances are slim, but with 15 points still up for grabs, no one can rule out the Claret-and-Cobalt just yet, especially if RSL can find its first road win since March 7 in Atlanta and win four of its final five.
RSL’s playoff push continues against Sporting Kansas City this Saturday, October 17, with kickoff set for 6:30 p.m. MT from Sporting Park. The match is available to stream on AppleTV.
