Real Salt Lake’s Pursuit of Momentum: A Deep Dive into Their 2026 Season

Real Salt Lake (RSL) heads to San Diego FC this weekend seeking their fourth consecutive victory, a feat the club hasn’t achieved since June 2013. The team’s strong start to the 2026 season is fueled by a blend of emerging talent, key additions, and a commitment to developing players from within their academy system. Head Coach Pablo Mastroeni has been instrumental in this success, guiding RSL to consistent playoff appearances since taking the helm in August 2021.

Emerging Talent and Key Additions Fuel RSL’s Strong Start

RSL’s success stems from several factors, including impactful signings and the development of young players. Dutch midfielder Stijn Spierings made an immediate impact, scoring the MLS Goal of the Week in his debut match against Austin FC. He became the sixth player in club history to score in his first appearance for Real Salt Lake. Franchise Player Morgan Guilavogui and rookie Sergi Solans have also demonstrated promising chemistry, contributing to a more fluid and creative attack. Uruguayan international Juan Manuel Sanabria has seamlessly integrated into the team, providing playmaking ability and defensive support from the left wing.

Winning Together Through Development

Real Salt Lake’s long-standing commitment to youth development is paying dividends. Players like Zavier Gozo, Luca Moisa, and Aiden Hezarkhani, along with veteran Monarchs players Noel Caliskan and Griffin Dillon, are consistently contributing at the first-team level. Caliskan’s playmaking led to an Austin FC own goal in a recent match, demonstrating the effectiveness of the club’s developmental system. The return of Diego Luna from a knee injury further boosts RSL’s attacking options, with the 20,751 fans in Sandy erupting when he stepped onto the field for the first time this season.

An Emerging Rivalry in the Western Conference: RSL vs. SD

A budding rivalry is forming between Real Salt Lake and San Diego FC, the 2025 expansion team. RSL fell 3-1 at home in their first encounter last March, but responded with a 3-1 victory in San Diego, led by a brace from Luna. San Diego impressed in its inaugural season, finishing atop the Western Conference standings with 19 wins and earning a bye to the second round of the playoffs before ultimately losing to Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the Western Conference Finals.

San Diego FC: A Formidable Opponent

San Diego’s success is built around a clear identity under the direction of Mikey Varas and key attacking players. Mexican international Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, Finnish forward Onni Valakari, and Danish winger Anders Dreyer led the attack, combining for over 30 goals during the regular season and playoffs. Dreyer was the club’s most reliable offensive threat, with 19 goals and 19 assists. The team also boasts a veteran goalkeeper in Pablo Sisniega and promising young defender Manu Duah, who was included on the 2025 MLS 22 Under 22 list.

Key to Victory: RSL’s Goalkeeping and Tactical Approach

RSL goalkeeper Rafael Cabral has been a consistent presence in goal, maintaining his strong form from 2025. He was crucial in the 2-1 victory over Austin FC, making two key saves to set up Spierings’s winning goal. A victory on Sunday would be a significant statement for RSL, strengthening their position among the contenders in the Western Conference and marking their first four-game winning streak in 13 years.

Match Details

The highly anticipated showdown between Real Salt Lake and San Diego FC will begin at 5:00 pm MT on Sunday, March 22 at Snapdragon Stadium, with commentary from Taylor Twellman, Jake Zivin and Jillian Sakovits. The match will air exclusively on Apple TV.

As of November 5, 2025, Pablo Mastroeni has a 71-66-45 record as RSL’s head coach, leading the club to the postseason in all five seasons under his leadership. [Salt Lake Tribune]

Pablo Mastroeni is currently the head coach of Real Salt Lake, having been in the position since August 2021. [RSL.com]. He has amassed 109 wins, 122 losses and 81 draws across all competitions as head coach for Real Salt Lake and the Colorado Rapids. [RSL.com]

Pablo Mastroeni (born August 29, 1976) is a professional soccer coach and former player who played as a defensive midfielder. [Wikipedia]