Real Salt Lake faced a challenging week in Major League Soccer, suffering a heavy 4-1 defeat to LAFC in Los Angeles. The match marked the second consecutive loss for RSL against their Western Conference rivals, concluding a two-game series that saw LAFC dominate both encounters. RSL's lone goal came from Brayan Vera, who found the net early in the 14th minute with a well-placed shot assisted by Noel Caliskan. However, Denis Bouanga's hat trick for LAFC overshadowed Salt Lake's efforts, propelling the Black-and-Gold to victory.
With this defeat, Real Salt Lake's record now stands at 10 wins, 16 losses, and 4 draws, placing them 12th in the Western Conference standings with 34 points. The team is eyeing a critical home match against Austin FC on Saturday, September 27, which will be pivotal for their playoff aspirations. RSL has shown some resilience at home, winning six of their last eleven matches at America First Field, but they have struggled to gain momentum on the road.
As they prepare for the upcoming clash with Austin, RSL will look to leverage their home advantage and capitalize on their recent scoring form. The match against Austin FC is expected to be pivotal, as both teams vie for playoff positions. Fans can purchase tickets for this must-win encounter through the club's official website.
In addition to their on-field challenges, Real Salt Lake also made headlines off the pitch, as they traded defender Bode Hidalgo to CF Montréal in exchange for General Allocation Money and a SuperDraft pick. The move signifies RSL's ongoing efforts to reshape their squad as they navigate a tough season.
The upcoming match against Austin FC presents a critical opportunity for Real Salt Lake to turn the tide and reignite their playoff hopes. With the pressure mounting, the Claret-and-Cobalt will need to harness their home field advantage to secure a much-needed victory.