Storylines | Real Salt Lake Prepares For First-Ever Matchup Against Atlante FC

By: Javier Mico-Crump

Following a tough 1-1 draw (6-5 loss on penalties) to Tigres UANL in the opening game of its 2026 Leagues Cup campaign, Real Salt Lake returns to America First Field this Saturday, August 8 to continue its homestand against Atlante FC. The Mexican newcomers enter the encounter on a three-game unbeaten streak, including a win over Western Conference leaders Vancouver Whitecaps FC earlier this week in its Leagues Cup opener. 

This edition of Storylines highlights new contributors that will continue to make an impact on RSL’s Leagues Cup campaign, and explores the important details behind the Claret-and-Cobalt’s first ever encounter with Atlante.

New Faces Headline Leagues Cup Opener

RSL Head Coach Pablo Mastroeni made eight personnel changes to the starting lineup ahead of the opening Leagues Cup match last Tuesday. Among those eight, three players made their 2026 starting debuts, with two players earning their first-ever starts for the Claret-and-Cobalt. 

Argentine veteran MF Pablo Ruiz entered the lineup in place of Noel Caliskan against Tigres, marking his first start of the 2026 season. After suffering two consecutive devastating knee injuries (meniscus, 2023, and ACL, 2024), Ruiz has worked tirelessly to reintegrate himself into the squad. Despite only playing a total of 52 minutes in four appearances this season, Ruiz was quick to make the most of his first starting opportunity. In the 16th minute, the metronomic, deep/lying playmaker fired home the equalizer with his left foot from the top of the box, scoring his first goal for RSL in more than three years.

With the absence of Draper local Griffin Dillon, who suffered a broken foot in last Saturday’s game at St. Louis, having Ruiz back at the top of his game is a big boost for an RSL midfield that will need to rotate amidst a critical stretch of 11 games in 44 days. 

After earning minutes off the bench in RSL’s post-World Cup slate of MLS road games, Saba Lobjanidze and Juan Jose Arias each made their debut starts - and home debuts, as well - for the Claret-and-Cobalt on Tuesday.

Saba, who joined the Club in a July 1 trade with Atlanta United, has had an incredible start to his RSL career, becoming the eighth player in Club history to assist in his debut (July 22 at LAFC). Prior to the game against Tigres, the Georgian international featured in three MLS games, where he recorded two assists in only 74 minutes of playing time. Saba’s attacking prowess and ability to create chances has been crucial to the Utah side’s return from the break, and his role will undoubtedly continue to grow as the second half of the season wears on. 

On the defensive line, Juan Jose Arias stepped in to play a full 90 minutes for the first time with the Claret-and-Cobalt. In only his second appearance with the Club, Arias was one of the standouts on defense, making eight defensive contributions including a crucial sliding challenge in the box. The newly-transferred Colombian U22 - one with championship pedigree at Atletico Nacional in his home country - is a big addition to RSL’s defense, and fans can hope that Tuesday’s milestone is just the start of a long and fruitful career in Utah.

Creating New History With Atlante FC

Saturday’s matchup will be the first time that Real Salt Lake faces Atlante FC in history. After spending the last 12 years in the Mexican second division, the recently-promoted Atlante is making waves both at home and abroad. The Mexican side is coming off a two-game unbeaten streak in Liga MX, featuring big results against powerhouse Club America (a 1-1 draw) and defending champions Cruz Azul (a 3-2 win). On Tuesday, the Club kicked off its first ever Leagues Cup campaign with a 1-0 win over current MLS Western Conference leaders Vancouver Whitecaps FC, putting them tied for third place in Group A and in playoff position. Led by newly-appointed coach Miguel “El Piojo” Herrera, who started his illustrious coaching career in Mexican football with Atlante more than 20 years ago, the emergent Mexico City side is not to be underestimated. 

After the draw with Tigres, Real Salt Lake moved to 6-6-6 (W-L-T) all-time against Liga MX visitors on Utah soil, now 18-10-8 all-time in international contests at home. RSL will look to improve those records on Saturday, where it will need to secure the full three points to keep its Leagues Cup advancement hopes alive. 

Kickoff against Atlante FC is set for 8:00 p.m. MT on Saturday from America First Field. Following this weekend’s match, RSL will face FC Juarez next Tuesday, August 11, to finish its Leagues Cup Phase One trio of matches, with a return to MLS competition on Saturday, August 15, at home against visiting Minnesota United and then again on Wednesday, August 22, against FC Dallas at America First Field in Sandy. Tickets for all four matches are available here.