By Isabella Rubis
As Real Salt Lake returns to the Wasatch Front Saturday, all eyes will focus on the pitch at a standing-room only America First Field as the Claret-and-Cobalt welcome the high-powered offense of LAFC. While the nine-game month of August was a roller coaster ride of results, September’s four home games and six overall present a new opportunity for Mastroeni’s men to regain the early-season form that saw the Club catapult up the Western Conference standings.
In this edition of Storylines we dive deeper into RSL’s young defensive duo and the attacking pieces key to snapping the Club’s dubious overall and MLS streaks, while also highlighting LAFC’s current run of form and the rivals’ head-to-head history.
Young Defenders and New Firepower Lead RSL’s Focus on September Reset
As the Claret-and-Cobalt head into its first match of September, the squad will look to tap into that renowned “xDAWG” mentality, leaving behind the troubles of August to hopefully snap its eight-game winless streak in MLS play, one that dates back prior to the 2026 FIFA World Cup break, a 2-1 victory against Rocky Mountain Cup foe Colorado Rapids at America First Field in May 16.
Real Salt Lake has suffered a bout of injuries to its backline, including Homegrown DF Justen Glad, who has been a constant for the RSL rearguard for nearly a decade. The 29-year-old has missed the entirety of RSL’s return to regular-season play following the FIFA break due to an adductor injury, allowing young talent to step onto the pitch and make a case for more high-pressure minutes.
A young defensive duo has emerged in the August matches, as Columbian U22 DF Juan Jose Arias has started in six of RSL’s last seven matches across all competitions. Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago National Team standout Kobi Henry has now started in two of the squad’s last three matches, earning his 2026 RSL/MLS debut away at Orlando. With both defenders being just 22 years-old, the pair have taken the newfound opportunities on the pitch in stride, working together with several others to remain poised under pressure.
Arias has showcased his skill as a ball-playing centerback, capable of remaining poised and efficient under pressure. Standing at six-feet-two inches, his size and smart positioning makes him difficult to bypass on the dribble, timing his ground tackles well and winning defensive blocks efficiently.
At his side, the equally imposing Henry has proven to be a strong aerial presence on the backline. His physical and reliable tackling ability and smart distribution out of the back has been key to RSL’s growth, pairing well with Arias and others.
With four straight losses across all competitions and a two-match scoreless streak, the Claret-and-Cobalt also look to get its attacking weapons on the scoresheet early and often. RSL is notoriously more successful when scoring first, boasting a 56-12-22 (W-L-T) record when doing so in Pablo Mastroeni’s 209-game era over the last five years, with key playmakers like 2026 Golden Boot leader Sergi Solans imperative in earning a result.
The MLS rookie has dazzled in his first professional season, the striker enjoying a positive month of August that saw him net five goals in the eight matches in which he featured, earning a new rookie Club record and sole possession of RSL’s all-time record for goals for a first-time professional, with nine in this MLS season, and 13 overall. Solans now welcomes another strong striker to join in the attack, as newly-acquired forward Jason Shokalook arrived early this week, potentially making his debut Saturday.
The 23-year-old comes to the Wasatch Front from the Chicago Fire, where he enjoyed a prolific 2025 season with that club’s MLS NEXT Pro squad, overwhelmingly winning the 2025 Golden Boot race with 20 goals in 22 matches. The Erie, Pennsylvania native is a natural striker, bringing speed, goal-scoring instincts and an ability to find space in the final third, making him a dangerous addition to RSL’s attack.
RSL could also see the debut for 25-year-old former Academy product Taylor Booth on Saturday, the Eden, Utah native returning home on a one-year low from FC Twente in the Dutch Eredivisie. While the reunification for Taylor and younger brother Zach will have to wait due to the younger winger’s hamstring injury, Taylor’s versatility in midfield could potentially spark the RSL attack.
If Real Salt Lake is to earn a positive result on Saturday evening, the defense will need to work as a brick wall, stifling the LAFC attack - one which has scored 11 goals in the last three meetings with RSL - from the opening whistle. Just as importantly, striking first to snap the squad’s active 234-minute scoreless streak and take command of the game early.
HIgh Powered LAFC Stands in Way of RSL Comeback Hopes
While the Claret-and-Cobalt have seen a difficult run of form since its return to MLS play following the 2026 FIFA World Cup, its West Coast opponent, typically described as an unstoppable force, arrives on the Wasatch Front with its own struggles. A five-game winless streak in the month of August against MLS opponents plagues LAFC, with three draws and two losses.
Los Angeles Football Club have historically been a thorn in the Claret-and-Cobalt’s side, with RSL earning few results against the club, recording an overall record of 4-16-1 (W-L-T) against LAFC since the first-ever meeting between the two sides in 2018. On July 22 of this year, Real Salt Lake traveled to BMO Stadium, falling 3-1 with goals by both Son and Bouanga; however, Danish DF Lukas Engel snapped the home side's hopes of a shutout with an 86th-minute score, the first of his 49-game MLS career at that point.
While RSL can never be counted out due to the multitude of attacking weapons on its roster such as star MF Diego Luna and Solans, the squad will certainly have its hands full, as LAFC is equipped with its own star power, including two of the league's most lethal finishers.
Global soccer icon Son Heung-Min joined MLS and LAFC in August, 2025, immediately punishing defenses with his finishing ability. After a strong debut season, the iconic Korean forward has continued to be an integral part of the club’s attack, with 10 assists this season. While continuing to contribute, Son was unable to find the back of the net until after the 2026 World Cup, where he represented South Korea, the unstoppable force netted his second of four MLS goals in as many games in July against RSL.
Along with the South Korean star is attacking counterpart Denis Bouanga. The French forward continues to work alongside Son seamlessly, lifting the club to important results and sitting atop LAFC’s Golden Boot race with 11 goals and seven assists thus far in 2026. The forward is a handful for anyone on the pitch and will be a key piece RSL will need to stop come Saturday.
Since their MLS debuts together, the attacking duo of Son and Bouanga have made life difficult for any opponent they have faced, but RSL’s home fortress - the Claret-and-Cobalt 10-2-2 this season and 18-5-4 (W-L-T) across all competitions since last June giving RSL more than a fighting chance to earn its first win against LAFC since 2024, also snapping its eight-match MLS winless streak. In order to earn the ever-important result on Saturday, Real Salt Lake will need to convert its offensive opportunities to get ahead early, while thwarting the red-hot duo from the LA side.
The high-stakes matchup against West Coast powerhouse Los Angeles Football Club takes place this Saturday, September 5 at America First Field. With plenty on the line, fans can expect a night filled with action as the two sides go head-to-head under the lights at AFF. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 PM MT and standing-room tickets for RSL’s 15th consecutive MLS sellout are available for purchase here.
