by: Mattey Casey
Posted: Apr 5, 2025 / 10:27 AM MDT
Updated: Apr 5, 2025 / 10:27 AM MDT
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Real Salt Lake (2-4-0, T-11th place Western Conference) returns home Saturday afternoon when they host reigning MLS Cup Champions LA Galaxy at America First Field. RSL is coming off a road loss on Saturday night and hope to get their season back on track against a struggling LA side.
The Galaxy (0-4-2, T-13th place Western Conference) have stumbled out of the gate, losing their first three league matches and thus far remaining winless on the season. They were forced to jettison key players in the offseason — Mark Delgado, Dejan Jovelic, and MLS Cup MVP Gaston Brugman — to be roster compliant. LA is also without midfield talisman Ricky Puig, who tore his left ACL in the playoffs last season.
Real Salt Lake has endured a similarly bumpy start to their campaign as they integrate new players into their attack. With just two wins against four losses, the team knows they have to find consistency in both attack and defense to have success.
“For sure they’ve got a good team, and they won the league last season,” said new goalkeeper Rafael “Rafa” Cabral, “So we are ready for that. We have to think more about ourselves, our game, and how to defend and attack them.”
RSL will be bolstered by the return of forward Ariath “Ari” Piol from red card suspension, and by 1st round draft pick Jesus Barea, who has joined the lineup after RSL acquired an International Roster Slot for him. Barea was a bright spot in the Minnesota loss, leading the team with four shots despite only coming on at halftime.
LA Galaxy have also welcomed a difference maker back from a quadriceps injury — forward Joseph Paintsil — who played his first minutes this season off the bench last Saturday in a 2-1 loss to Orlando City. Paintsil scored 14 Goals to go with 8 Assists for LA in 2024, and rejoins a team known for their potent attack.
Real Salt Lake knows they have their work cut out for them, but want to capitalize on home-field advantage and give their fans something to cheer about on Saturday afternoon.
“We respect them,” said Cabral, “but we are going to fight in our home. Tell our fans — we are ready to win this game.”
Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. MT at America First Field in Sandy. Tickets are available here and the match will be broadcast on Apple TV+/MLS Season Pass.
For more Real Salt Lake and Utah Royals coverage, check out the Royal Riot Podcast, available on all major streaming platforms.
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