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Real Salt Lake

American professional soccer club based in Salt Lake City


American professional soccer club based in Salt Lake City

FieldValue
clubnameReal Salt Lake
imageReal Salt Lake 2010.svg
upright0.65
nicknameClaret and Cobalt
short nameRSL
founded
stadiumAmerica First Field
Sandy, Utah
capacity20,213
owntitleOwners
ownerGail Miller (majority)
David Blitzer (minority)
mgrtitleHead coach
managerPablo Mastroeni
leagueMajor League Soccer
season2025
position{{plainlist
website
Americantrue
current2026 Real Salt Lake season
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Sandy, Utah David Blitzer (minority)

  • Western Conference: 9th
  • Overall: 19th
  • Playoffs: Wild card round}} Real Salt Lake (RSL) is an American professional soccer club based in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area. The club competes in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member of the Western Conference. Founded in 2004, the club began play in 2005 as an expansion team.

The club plays its home games at America First Field, a soccer-specific stadium located in the Salt Lake City suburb of Sandy, Utah, which they shared with their sister team, Utah Royals FC. Before moving to America First Field, RSL previously played home games at Rice-Eccles Stadium, located on the campus of the University of Utah, from 2005 to 2007. The team is currently led by head coach Pablo Mastroeni.

In domestic soccer, Real Salt Lake won the 2009 MLS Cup, and they finished as runners-up in the Supporters Shield in 2010 and the 2013 editions of both the U.S. Open Cup and MLS Cup. The club additionally finished runners-up in the 2010-11 CONCACAF Champions League, becoming the first American club to do so during the tournament's group stage format. Their fully owned USL affiliate, Real Monarchs, won the USL Championship, the second division in American soccer, in 2019.

Name

The Spanish title Real (), meaning "royal" in English, has been used since the early 20th century by Spanish soccer clubs who have received royal patronage from a reigning monarch — most notably Madrid, Zaragoza, Betis and Sociedad. In choosing the name Real for the Salt Lake-based team, initial owner Dave Checketts intended to create a brand name that would become well-known for its simplicity, followed the European-style naming conventions of the league, and would potentially foster a partnership with Real Madrid — admired both because of their successful soccer history and close association with basketball (similar to Checketts' own history with Utah's NBA team).

The new team's name was initially met with mixed feelings, with the name being accused of contrivance. Other suggested team names, such as "Highlanders", "Salt Lake SC", or "Union SLC", were initially preferred for the club by locals. However, by at least 2014, reaction to the name had drastically improved, with the team establishing an identity representative of the Salt Lake community.

History

Main article: History of Real Salt Lake

Early years (2005–2008)

Real Salt Lake became the twelfth MLS team when Major League Soccer awarded an expansion franchise on July 14, 2004, to SCP Worldwide, headed by Dave Checketts. United States U-17's coach John Ellinger was named as the initial manager of the club, with forward Jason Kreis becoming the club's first player. RSL began play on April 2, 2005, in a match against the MetroStars at Giants Stadium that ended as a scoreless draw; Kreis would score the team's first ever goal the following game on the road against the LA Galaxy. The club's first ever home match, and victory, would occur on April 16 in front of 25,287 fans at Rice-Eccles Stadium, with defender Brian Dunseth securing a victory over Rocky Mountain Cup rival Colorado Rapids.

However, both the 2005 and 2006 seasons would prove to be relative disappointments for the club. Despite strong performances from key players Kreis, Eddie Pope, Andy Williams, and Jeff Cunningham, RSL would embark on a 10-game losing streak in the former and an 18-game winless run in the latter, finishing each season among the worst teams in the league.

The 2007 season began with the club making moves for veteran talent to build around, most notably bringing in goalkeeper Nick Rimando and midfielder Kyle Beckerman pre-season. However, following continued poor form, Ellinger was fired in May and unexpectedly replaced as head coach by Kreis, who immediately retired as a player to take the role.

The 2008 season saw the club begin to achieve successes, finishing with an even record and qualifying for the MLS Playoffs for the first time. The season additionally saw the opening of America First Field, a soccer-specific stadium for the club in Sandy. The club advanced past Chivas USA in the first round of the playoffs before losing to the New York Red Bulls in the Western Conference final.

MLS and CONCACAF success (2009–2012)

The 2009 season saw the club post a near-perfect home record to propel itself into a playoff-qualification battle, won on the final day against the Colorado Rapids. Seeded as the lowest Eastern Conference team (due to the playoff format of the time), RSL progressed through the playoffs to the 2009 MLS Cup, where they defeated the LA Galaxy in a penalty shootout to win their first championship.

As defending champions, RSL proved to have its best season to date in 2010, posting a 25 game unbeaten streak and home and zero losses at home on the way to a second-place finish in the MLS Supporters Shield standings. Rimando finished as the league's best goalkeeper, with Olave named as MLS Defender of the Year and newly acquired forward Álvaro Saborío establishing himself as a primary goal scorer. The group stages of the Champions League saw the club finish first.

The remainder of the 2011 season saw an end to the home unbeaten streak at 29 games, but successful re-qualifications to both the playoffs and CONCACAF Champions League. This was followed by a second-place Western Conference finish in 2012, as well as a group-stage elimination in the 2012-13 CONCACAF Champions League.

Hansen ownership (2013–2021)

In 2013, Checketts sold his stake in the club to minority owner Dell Loy Hansen. The season saw the departure of key players Olave, Espindola, and Johnson; however, the club garnered another second place Western Conference finish, as well as trips to both the 2013 MLS Cup and 2013 U.S. Open Cup final, where the team lost to Sporting Kansas City and D.C. United, respectively. Following the season, Kreis left the club to coach expansion side New York City FC, with assistant coach Jeff Cassar replacing him; despite this, the club finished with a then-high points total of 56 points in 2014, qualifying for CONCACAF before being eliminated early in the playoffs.

2015 saw the departures of Borchers and Saborío, which led to the team failing to qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2007. A push to the quarterfinals of the 2015-16 CONCACAF Champions League helped contribute to a stronger 2016 season and brief return to the playoffs. However, this season saw even further departures, with Morales and Olave leaving the club following 2016.

A poor start to the 2017 season saw Cassar dismissed as head coach, with Mike Petke taking over the position in April – however, despite a late-season run, the team failed to make the playoffs. 2018 saw improvements on the field, as the club finished sixth in the conference led by strong performances from Albert Rusnák and Damir Kreilach. However, the season was primarily focused on the opening of the Real Academy and Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman, which provided a new home for the club, the NWSL's Utah Royals FC, reserve side Real Monarchs, and the club's youth academies.

2019 saw the final seasons of both Rimando and long-time defender Tony Beltran, both of whom retired following the end of the campaign. The club also saw the dismissal of head coach Petke on August 11, following an incident with match officials during the 2019 Leagues Cup. Initially named interim manager for the remainder of the season, assistant coach Freddy Juarez was eventually named as head coach following the season.

The 2020 season, significantly shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, nonetheless saw announcement that Hansen would sell his stakes in Real Salt Lake, Utah Royals FC, and Real Monarchs following controversy over his past use of racist language. Additionally, long-time club captain – and final remaining member of the 2009 MLS Cup winning side – Beckerman retired following the season's end, having played more regular season games than any outfield player in MLS history.

Blitzer and Smith ownership (2022–2025)

RSL began the 2021 season with no defined ownership, with MLS controlling the process of sale to new ownership. Despite a relatively strong start to the season, Juarez unexpectedly left as head coach on August 27 to become an assistant coach with Seattle Sounders FC, leaving his own assistant Pablo Mastroeni to see out the season as interim. Under Mastroeni, the team made a late-season push to the playoffs, qualifying on the final day of the season through a stoppage-time goal by Kreilach to give RSL a win over Sporting Kansas City. Despite barely qualifying, the team progressed to the conference finals for the first time since 2013 before being defeated by the Portland Timbers. This success led to Mastroeni being named permanent head coach following the season.

Prior to the 2022 season, the franchise was acquired by sports team investors Ryan Smith and David Blitzer.

Miller ownership (2025–present)

On April 18, 2025, Miller Sports + Entertainment, led by former Utah Jazz owner Gail Miller, acquired a controlling interest in the franchise for $600 million, with Blitzer remaining as a minority owner.

Colors and badge

The team's colors are claret red, cobalt blue, and real gold.

Uniform evolution

Home, away, and third uniforms.

  • Home
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  • Away
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  • Third/special
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Stadium

NameLocationYears in useCapacity
Rice-Eccles StadiumSalt Lake City, Utah2005–200845,071
America First FieldSandy, Utah2008–present20,213

After months of discussions an agreement was put in place and Real Salt Lake announced that they would move forward with the construction of Real Salt Lake Stadium. The Debt Review Committee of Salt Lake County, however, voted against the stadium. In response, Real Salt Lake's owner announced the team would be sold and likely move out of the Salt Lake area after the 2007 season. However, a new stadium proposal was passed by the State Senate. The Utah House approved House bill 1SHB38, approving $35 million towards the development of Real Salt Lake's new home. The governor signed the bill.

The $110 million stadium was built in Sandy, a suburb of Salt Lake City. The stadium was named after its sponsor, Rio Tinto Group. The stadium opened on October 9, 2008. In September 2022, Rio Tinto Stadium was renamed America First Field, with RSL and America First Credit Union announcing a naming rights deal.

Club culture

Rivalries

Leo the Lion at a "Meet the Players" event, August 2010

The main rival of Real Salt Lake is considered to be the Colorado Rapids, with the two competing for the annual Rocky Mountain Cup. The two clubs are the closest to each other geographically, and began the rivalry upon RSL's entrance into Major League Soccer in the 2005 season. As of the 2026 season, RSL holds the edge in the cup, winning 14 times to Colorado's 7.

Although no annual trophy is involved, the club also maintains a fierce rivalry with Sporting Kansas City. Initially born out of a preseason brawl in 2011, the rivalry escalated following the 2013 MLS Cup, in which RSL was defeated by Kansas City in penalties. Both teams have regularly competed in the Western Conference.

Fans of the club also maintain smaller-scale rivalries with the LA Galaxy, Los Angeles FC, and Seattle Sounders FC.{{cite web|title=Real Salt Lake eager to renew heat of old antagonism with LA Galaxy

Supporters groups

Real Salt Lake has seven officially recognized supporters groups — Salt City United, Rogue Cavaliers Brigade, Section 26, Riot Brigade, La Barra Real, Section 11 ("The Swarm"), and Los Caballeros Reales — which as of 2019 all exist under a larger unified umbrella group known as The Riot.

Leo the Lion is the official mascot of Real Salt Lake.

Club anthem

In 2011, Branden Steineckert, drummer of punk band Rancid and a supporter of Real Salt Lake, composed the song "Believe" in honor of the club. Initially posted on YouTube, the song has since been adopted as the team's official anthem, being sung at the beginning of every home game, at the end of every home game if the result is a win, as well as after all goals scored by RSL.

Revenue and profitability

As Real Salt Lake is a small-market team, one of the team's biggest challenges is bringing in enough revenue to remain competitive. Opening Rio Tinto Stadium in October 2008 provided a significant revenue boost to the team. Real Salt Lake went from 4,000 season-ticket holders before October 2008, to 8,750 in 2012, 10,000 in 2013, and 15,000+ in 2016.

Sponsorship

PeriodKit manufacturerShirt sponsor
2005–2008Adidas
2009–2012Xango
2012–2013Xango (home)LifeVantage (away)
2014–2023LifeVantage
2024–presentIntermountain Health

RSL has a long-term sponsorship deal with Intermountain Health. It previously had sponsorship deals with LifeVantage and Xango. Additional sponsors include JetBlue Airways, Maverik, Inc., Ford, WCF Insurance, and Zions Bank. Their corporate sponsors are America First Credit Union, Adidas, Atlas Disposal, City Creek Center, Coca-Cola, Collins Roofing Inc., Continental Tires, England Logistics, Utah Governor's Office of Economic Development, Great Clips, Key Bank, Les Olson Company, MarketStar, Michelob ULTRA, Pikus Concrete, Planet Fitness, Presidio, RealMedia, Sew Sweet, Sherwin-Williams, Siegfried and Jensen, Summit Technology, Toro, Toyota, Utah Children's Dental Network, Utah: Life Elevated, WGU, YESCO, and Zagg brands.

Broadcasting

Sinclair Broadcast Group held television rights to Real Salt Lake games that were not aired by Major League Soccer's national television partners. The telecasts (which, until its discontinuation, were originally presented by Sinclair's American Sports Network) featured pre- and post-game coverage. Sinclair's Utah station KMYU served as the team's flagship station, and telecasts were syndicated to other Sinclair-owned stations in the region, and non-Sinclair stations in Albuquerque, Phoenix and Tucson. In 2018, the team extended its television deal with Sinclair, and announced a streaming partnership with KSL-TV, under which it offered in-market streaming of RSL's regional broadcasts, as well as their former sister club Utah Royals FC (NWSL) and reserve club Real Monarchs (then in the USL), on digital platforms. In 2020, the team extended its television deal with Sinclair until 2022.

Players and staff

: For details on former players, see All-time Real Salt Lake roster.

Roster

-- Do NOT add new players before their signing is officially announced by the club -- and do NOT assign unreferenced jersey numbers as well. -- Do NOT create articles for new draft picks until they make either their MLS or US Open Cup debut, and do not add red wikilinks to these players as it prevents the creation of articles by people who don't understand the WP:FOOTY notability guidelines –Players with international caps should NOT be bolded–as per Wikipedia:WikiProject_Football/Clubs –This is Wikipedia, not a football gazette. –Any unconfirmed and unsourced signing/transfer will be reverted at sight. –Thanks in advance.


Out on loan

Technical and coaching staff

No.PlayerPositionNationTenureRef.
9Jason KreisForwardUSA United States2005–2007
11Javier MoralesMidfielderARG Argentina2007–2016
18Nick RimandoGoalkeeperUSA United States2007–2019

Team captains

NationalityNameTenure
United StatesJason Kreis2005–2007
United StatesEddie Pope2007
United StatesKyle Beckerman2008–2020
SlovakiaAlbert Rusnák2021
CroatiaDamir Kreilach2022–2023
ColombiaChicho Arango2024
United StatesEmeka Eneli2025
BrazilRafael Cabral2025-present

General managers

NameTenure
Steve Pastorino2004–2007
Garth Lagerwey2007–2014
Craig Waibel2015–2019
Elliot Fall2019–2023

Ownership history

  • Dave Checketts (2005–2013)
  • Del Loy Hansen (2009–2020)
  • MLS (2021)
  • Ryan Smith (2022–2025)
  • David Blitzer (2022–present)
  • Gail Miller (2025-present)

Head coaches

  • Includes MLS regular Season, MLS Playoffs, CONCACAF Champions League, Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, and Leagues Cup.
Head coachTenureGamesWinLossDrawWin %PPGPlayoffsNotes
USA John EllingerJanuary 2005 – May 3, 20077116391633.8%0.900/2Inaugural head coach
USA Jason KreisMay 3, 2007 – December 10, 2013261112856455.2%1.526/7First championship
USA Jeff CassarDecember 18, 2013 – March 20, 201712145433350.8%1.392/3
USA Daryl ShoreMarch 20, 2017 – April 3, 2017201125.0%0.50/0interim
USA Mike PetkeApril 3, 2017 – August 11, 20199137391548.9%1.381/2
USA Freddy JuarezAugust 11, 2019 – August 27, 20215518142353.6%0.81/2interim until December 3, 2019
USA Pablo MastroeniAugust 27, 2021 – present14961573151.3%1.434/4interim until December 13, 2021

Honors

NationalCompetitionsTitlesSeasonsMLS Cup1Western Conference (Playoff)1Eastern Conference (Playoff)1
2009
2013
2009

Team results

Year-by-year

Main article: List of Real Salt Lake seasons

This is a partial list of the last five seasons completed by RSL. For the full season-by-season history, see List of Real Salt Lake seasons.

SeasonLeaguePositionPlayoffsUSOCContinental / OtherAverage
attendanceTop goalscorer(s)DivLeaguePldWLDGFGAGDPtsPPGConf.OverallName(s)Goals
20211MLS34141465554+1481.417th13thSFNH15,283CRO Damir Kreilach16
2022MLS341211114345−2471.387th14thR1R320,470VEN Sergio Córdova11
2023MLS34141284850−2501.415th11thR1SFLeagues CupR1619,429VEN Jefferson Savarino7
**2024**MLS34167116548+17591.743rd6thR1Ro32Leagues CupGS20,295COL Cristian Arango17
**2025**MLS34121753849-11411.219th19thWCDNPCONCACAF Champions Cup Leagues CupR1 LS19,772USA Diego Luna10
  1. Avg. attendance include statistics from league matches only.

  2. Top goalscorer(s) includes all goals scored in League, MLS Cup Playoffs, U.S. Open Cup, MLS is Back Tournament, CONCACAF Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, and other competitive continental matches.

CONCACAF Champions Cup

  • Did not qualify for Champions League tournament in years not listed
SeasonQualification methodRoundOppositionHomeAway
2010–112009 MLS Cup championGroup stagePAN Árabe Unido2–13–2
MEX Cruz Azul3–14–5
CAN Toronto FC4–11–1
Quarter-finalsUSA Columbus Crew4–10–0
Semi-finalsCRC Saprissa2–01–2
FinalsMEX Monterrey0–12–2
2012–132011 MLS Supporters' ShieldGroup stageCRC Herediano0–00–1
PAN Tauro F.C.2–01–0
2015–162014 MLS Supporters' ShieldGroup stageGUA Municipal1–01–0
SLV Santa Tecla2–10–0
Quarter-finalsMEX UANL1–10–2
20252024 MLS Supporters' Shield sixth placeRound OneCRC Herediano0–01–2
  • Win %- Number of wins divided by number of games played (ties count as half a win)
  • Games decided by a PK Shoot out counted as win or loss not Draw.
TeamCountryHomeAwayTotal
GPWL
Árabe UnidoPAN110
Columbus CrewUSA110
Cruz AzulMEX110
HeredianoCRC201
MonterreyMEX101
MunicipalGUA110
Santa TeclaSLV110
SaprissaCRC110
Tauro F.C.PAN110
Toronto FCCAN110
UANLMEX100
Total1181

Leagues Cup

SeasonRoundOpponentResult
2019Quarter-finalsTigres UANL0–1
2023Group stageSeattle Sounders FC3-0
Monterrey0–3
Round of 32Club León3-1
Round of 16Los Angeles FC0–4
2024Group stageAtlas3-1
Houston Dynamo FC0–3
2025League stageAmérica2-2 (3-1 pk)
Atlético San Luis2-2 (1-4 pk)
Querétaro1-0

MLS records

  • Fewest goals allowed: 20 (previous record 23, Houston 2007)
  • Overall goal difference: +25 (previous record +22, San Jose 2005 and D.C. United 2007)
  • Home goal difference: +24 (previous record +23, Real Salt Lake 2009)
  • Total home points (30-game season): 37 (previous record 35, Columbus 2009)
  • Fewest home losses: 0 (equals previous record set by San Jose in 2005)
  • Fewest home goals allowed: 7 (previous record 8, Colorado 2004)

Associated teams

The reserve team of Real Salt Lake, named Real Monarchs SLC, was created on September 10, 2014, as a bridge between the club's academy program and the first level team. The team began play in the Western Conference of the United Soccer League during the 2015 season, playing their home games at Rio Tinto Stadium along with their parent team. Starting in 2018, the Monarchs will move to Zions Bank Stadium, a 5,000-seat facility located at RSL's new training center in Herriman.

A women's soccer team, called Real Salt Lake Women, was founded in 2008. The team is currently a member of the Western Division of United Women's Soccer, the second tier of women's soccer in the United States and Canada, and plays its home games at Ute Field, on the campus of the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.

Real Salt Lake added a second women's team, this one in the top-level National Women's Soccer League, in November 2017. This team effectively replaced FC Kansas City in the NWSL, as FC Kansas City soon folded and all of its player contracts were assigned to the new RSL franchise. Shortly thereafter, the new team, which will share Rio Tinto Stadium, was unveiled as Utah Royals FC.

Player records

Career

  • Players in Bold are still active
  • Only regular season matches played with Real Salt Lake counted towards all-time records. Stats from MLS play-offs, U.S. Open Cup, Super Liga and CONCACAF Champions league are not included.
RankPlayerGoalsAppsYears
1CRC Álvaro Saborío631272010–2015
2ARG Javier Morales492402007–2016
3CRO Damir Kreilach471512018–2023
4ECU Joao Plata461752013–2019
5SVK Albert Rusnák411402017–2021
6USA Robbie Findley361372007–2010, 2013–2014
7ARG Fabián Espíndola351252007–2012
VEN Jefferson Savarino351252017–2019, 2022–2024
9ARM Yura Movsisyan311102007–2009, 2016–2017
10USA Kyle Beckerman303502007–2020
RankPlayerAssistsAppsYears
1ARG Javier Morales812402007–2016
2ECU Joao Plata431752013–2019
3SVK Albert Rusnák391402017–2021
USA Kyle Beckerman393502007–2020
5VEN Jefferson Savarino331252017–2019, 2022–2024
6JAM Andy Williams291892005–2011
7CRO Damir Kreilach241512018–2023
8CUB Maikel Chang201242020–2024
9USA Diego Luna19942022-present
GUA Aaron Herrera191242018–2022
RankPlayerAppsGoalsYears
1USA Nick Rimando36902007–2019
2USA Kyle Beckerman350302007–2020
3USA Justen Glad272132013–present
4USA Chris Wingert24722007–2014, 2016–2017
5USA Tony Beltran24512008–2019
6ARG Javier Morales240492007–2016
7USA Nat Borchers205102008–2014
8JAM Andy Williams189142005–2011
9ECU Joao Plata175462013–2019
10COL Jámison Olave159132008–2012, 2015–2016
RankPlayerShutoutsAppsYears
1USA Nick Rimando1183692007–2019
2USA Zac MacMath30982020–present
3BRA Rafael Cabral7342025-present
4USA Andrew Putna6222018–2021
5MEX David Ochoa5262019–2022
USA Jeff Attinella5292013–2016
7USA Kyle Reynish482007–2012
USA D.J. Countess4272005
USA Scott Garlick4312006–2007
10USA Gavin Beavers3182022-2024

Next active player who could break into the top 10:


Single season

  • Only regular season matches played with Real Salt Lake counted towards records.
  • Players in bold currently play for Real Salt Lake.
Legend
Indicates current season
RankPlayerNationSeasonGoalsAssists
1Chicho ArangoCOL20241711
Álvaro SaboríoCRC2012173
3Jeff CunninghamUSA20061611
Damir KreilachCRO2021169
5Andrés GómezCOL2024139
Joao PlataECU2014136
7Damir KreilachCRO2018128
Álvaro SaboríoCRC2010124
Robbie FindleyUSA2009124
Álvaro SaboríoCRC2013122
RankPlayerNationSeasonAssistsMinutes
1Javier MoralesARG2008152511
2Albert RusnákSVK2017142579
3Diego LunaUSA2024122014
Chicho ArangoCOL2024122079
Javier MoralesARG2015122124
Javier MoralesARG2014122645
7Jeff CunninghamUSA2006112404
Joao PlataECU2016112478
Aaron HerreraGUA2021112514
Jefferson SavarinoVEN2018112853
Albert RusnákSVK2021113045
RankPlayerNationSeasonShutouts
1Nick RimandoUSA201014
2USA201113
3USA201212
4USA201910
Zac MacMathUSA202210
6Nick RimandoUSA20099
USA20139
Zac MacMathUSA20239
9Nick RimandoUSA20158
USA20178
USA20088

Hat tricks

PlayerDateOpponentResultCompetition
USA Jason KreisJuly 13, 2005Minnesota ThunderL 4–6Open Cup
USA Robbie FindleyApril 2, 2009Columbus CrewW 4–1MLS
CRC Álvaro SaboríoJuly 7, 2012Portland TimbersW 3–0
September 29, 2012Chivas USAW 4–0
July 27, 2013New York Red BullsL 3–4
ARG Javier MoralesMay 11, 2014Houston DynamoW 5–2
CRO Damir KreilachSeptember 1, 2018LA GalaxyW 6–2
COL Chicho ArangoMarch 30, 2024St. Louis City SCW 3–1
June 1, 2024Austin FCW 5–1

Player honors

League honors

MLS All-Star appearances

[[Kyle Beckerman

Players in bold currently play for Real Salt Lake.

AppearancesPlayerNationYears
8Kyle BeckermanUSA2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016
7Nick RimandoUSA2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2019
3Jamison OlaveCOL2010, 2011, 2012
2Tony BeltranUSA2013, 2015
Diego LunaUSA2024, 2025
Javier MoralesARG2009, 2010
Eddie PopeUSA2005, 2007
1Chicho ArangoCOL2024
Fabián EspíndolaARG2012
Justen GladUSA2024
Will JohnsonCAN2009
Damir KreilachCRO2021

Player awards

The following awards were given to Real Salt Lake players by Major League Soccer in the season indicated:

SeasonAwardPlayer(s)
2006MLS Best XIUSA Jeff Cunningham
MLS Golden Boot
2009MLS Cup Most Valuable PlayerUSA Nick Rimando
2010MLS Best XIUSA Nat Borchers, COL Jámison Olave, ARG Javier Morales
MLS Defender of the YearCOL Jámison Olave
MLS Newcomer of the YearCRC Álvaro Saborío
2011MLS Best XICOL Jámison Olave
2018MLS Rookie of the YearUSA Corey Baird
2024MLS Young Player of the YearUSA Diego Luna

Team honors

  • The annual season-ending award winners are decided based on voting by RSL players.

Team MVP

SeasonPlayer
2005JAM Andy Williams
2006USA Jeff Cunningham
2007USA Nick Rimando
2008ARG Javier Morales
2009USA Nat Borchers
2010ARG Javier Morales (2)
2011USA Kyle Beckerman
2012USA Kyle Beckerman (2)
2013USA Kyle Beckerman (3)
2014ECU Joao Plata
2015ARG Javier Morales (3)
2016USA Kyle Beckerman (4)
2017SVK Albert Rusnák
2018CRO Damir Kreilach
2019Brazil Everton Luiz
2020CRO Damir Kreilach (2)
2021CRO Damir Kreilach (3)
2022USA Justen Glad
2023ARG Pablo Ruiz
2024USA Emeka Eneli
2025BRA Rafael Cabral

Golden boot

SeasonPlayerGoals
2005USA Jason Kreis9
2006USA Jeff Cunningham16
2007USA Robbie Findley6
2008ARM Yura Movsisyan8
2009USA Robbie Findley (2)12
2010CRC Álvaro Saborío12
2011CRC Álvaro Saborío (2)11
2012CRC Álvaro Saborío (3)17
2013CRC Álvaro Saborío (4)12
2014ECU Joao Plata13
2015ARG Javier Morales8
2016ECU Joao Plata (2)9
2017SVK Albert Rusnák7
2018CRO Damir Kreilach12
2019SVK Albert Rusnák (2)7
2020CRO Damir Kreilach (2)8
2021CRO Damir Kreilach (3)16
2022VEN Sergio Córdova9
2023VEN Jefferson Savarino7
2024COL Chicho Arango17
2025USA Diego Luna9

Defensive Player of the Year

SeasonPlayer
2005USA Eddie Pope
2006USA Carey Talley
2007USA Eddie Pope (2)
2008USA Nat Borchers
2009COL Jámison Olave
2010USA Nat Borchers (2)
2011USA Nat Borchers (3)
2012USA Nick Rimando
2013USA Nick Rimando (2)
2014USA Chris Schuler
2015USA Aaron Maund
2016USA Justen Glad
2017USA Justen Glad (2)
2018USA Brooks Lennon
2019GUA Aaron Herrera
2020GUA Aaron Herrera (2)
2021GUA Aaron Herrera (3)
2022USA Andrew Brody
2023COL Brayan Vera
2024USA Justen Glad (3)
2025BRA Rafael Cabral

References

References

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