Real Salt Lake capped off its final MLS match before the start of Leagues Cup group stage this week with a 2-1 home victory over the San Jose Earthquakes and former RSL teammate Christian Arango. The comeback win was fueled by two second-half goals. Designated Player Diogo Gonçalves forced an own goal to level the score, before Paraguayan midfielder Braian Ojeda powered a strike through the San Jose goalkeeper’s gloves for the game-winner and his first goal of the 2025 season.
The victory was a crucial bounce-back moment for the Claret-and-Cobalt, who have now earned 16 of a possible 21 points across June and July, vaulting the team from 13th to 8th in the Western Conference standings with a 5-1-1 (W-T-L) record. Remaining unbeaten in six of its last seven matches and outscoring opponents 10-5 is a testament to the squad’s resilience and a sign that RSL is coming into form at the opportune time for its 2025 campaign.
RSL boss Pablo Mastroeni will undoubtedly be focused on continuing the momentum and securing positive results as the team kicks off its third consecutive Leagues Cup campaign. After a strong run of form, the priority will be to keep the squad sharp and confident against tough opposition. Finding a winning rhythm early in the tournament will be key to setting the tone for success in the highly anticipated competition.
In this edition of Storylines we’ll look ahead to the jam-packed two game week that features RSL’s first two matches of group play at home against Club América and Atlético San Luis.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect from RSL’s Opening Leagues Cup Matchups
Up first is Club América, one of the most storied and successful clubs in Mexico and all of North America, bringing both history and firepower to the pitch. Las Águilas (The Eagles) have built a legacy of dominance, boasting a record number of Liga MX titles and multiple CONCACAF Champions Cup victories. With a deep roster of international talent, a passionate fan base, and a fierce competitive edge, Club América consistently ranks among the elite in the region.
RSL and Club América have met before in the 2009 Xango Cup, a friendly where Real Salt Lake secured a 1-0 win, with club legend Javier Morales scoring the decisive goal. As the clubs set to meet for the second time, Spanish midfielder Álvaro Fidalgo is the América player to look out for heading into Wednesday's clash, an intelligent, technical player capable of changing the course of a match in an instant.
To find success in Wednesday’s match, Real Salt Lake will need to take control early and set the tempo from the start. Controlling possession and dictating the pace will be crucial against a talented Club América side that thrives on quick transitions.
Real Salt Lake will be in for another tough battle on Saturday when it hosts Atlético San Luis. While not as storied or dominant as Club América, Atlético San Luis still boasts a roster filled with seasoned playmakers and international experience, making it a formidable opponent. The club benefits from connections to top European leagues, including the English Premier League and Germany’s Bundesliga, which has helped them attract quality talent.
In 2023, French forward Sébastien Salles-Lamonge and Uruguayan left-back Juan Manuel Sanabria joined the squad, both of whom bring valuable skill and experience and will be crucial for RSL to contain in Saturday's match. With no prior meetings between the two clubs, Real Salt Lake will need to be sharp and resilient to overcome this challenging test against an unfamiliar foe.
To come out victorious in both matches, the Claret-and-Cobalt will need to rely heavily on the brilliance of its stars and the creativity of its playmakers. With a talented roster full of dynamic midfielders and attacking threats, RSL has the tools to control games and unlock even the toughest defenses. It’s the spark and vision of players on its roster that can turn tight contests into memorable wins, while the collective energy and determination of the squad will be crucial in sustaining intensity over two demanding fixtures.
If RSL can harness this blend of skill, passion, and teamwork, it will be well-positioned to make a powerful statement and build momentum heading deeper into the Leagues Cup tournament and the remainder of the MLS season.
All Eyes on the Playmakers: Who to Watch as RSL Gears Up for Leagues Cup
The Claret-and-Cobalt will no doubt be boosted by the return of powerful defenders Alex Katranis and Brayan Vera, who both missed Saturday’s match against San Jose due to yellow card accumulation suspensions. Vera has been a brick wall at the back this season, consistently shutting down opposing attacks and playing a vital role in the team’s recent success. Katranis, the Greek defender, has been a menace on the left side for RSL, with his strength on the ball and contagious passion driving his teammates as they battle for victories each week.
RSL starlet Diego Luna is absolutely one to watch as RSL heads into a busy two-match week. The dynamic midfielder continues to grow into his role as a creative engine for the Claret-and-Cobalt, bringing flair, vision, and an attacking spark that few in the league can match. His ability to dictate the tempo and break down defenses with precision passing will be key in unlocking opportunities for Real Salt Lake’s frontline. With confidence riding high after the All-Star spotlight, Luna’s presence in the midfield could be the difference-maker in pushing his team toward another successful week.
Lastly, Gonçalves who has quietly started to come into his own over the last few weeks, delivering two goals and playing a key role in a third with a forced own goal (an “assist”) across RSL’s last four matches. The Portuguese Designated Player is beginning to show the quality and creativity that made him a marquee addition, blending attacking instinct with smart positioning in the final third. As RSL faces a crucial two-match week, Gonçalves’ growing confidence and impact could be a major difference-maker in maintaining momentum and pushing the squad through the group stage and further up the Western Conference table.
Real Salt Lake will play all three Leagues Cup group stage matches at home over the next two weeks, beginning this Wednesday, July 30 at 7:30 PM MT against Club América. These matches come before RSL resumes its MLS campaign in August. Tickets are available for purchase here.
