Membership Historical past
With their debut season in 2005, Actual Salt Lake grew to become the twelfth franchise within the MLS and the league’s second enlargement crew. It was not a simple begin. Of their first three seasons they posted 21 wins, 23 attracts, 50 losses and didn’t qualify for the playoffs. All this occurred regardless of the 2006 Golden Boot winner Jeff Cunningham taking part in up entrance. In 2008 they lastly had their first non-losing season (10 every in wins, attracts, losses). Then in 2009, regardless of coming into the postseason because the final seed, RSL improbably received the MLS Cup.
The subsequent 5 seasons noticed RSL change into one of many energy golf equipment within the West, by no means ending worse than third and successful no less than 15 video games a season. They reached one other MLS Cup last in 2013, dropping to Sporting Kansas Metropolis 7-6 in penalties after a 1-1 draw. In addition they have been runners-up within the U.S. Open Cup that very same 12 months, falling to D.C. United 1-0 of their dwelling stadium.
From 2015 by 2023 RSL bounced between barely making the playoffs and languishing in the direction of the underside of the standings. Whereas they’ve failed to succeed in their earlier highs, they’ve additionally averted sinking to their earlier lows.
Possession
SCP Worldwide, led by Dave Checketts, acquired the enlargement award again in 2004. In 2013, Checketts bought his majority share to Dell Loy Hansen, Utah native and proprietor of the Wasatch Group. Beneath his watch the membership established various related groups and expanded the youth academy with a full residential program. Nevertheless, investigative reporting in 2020 revealed Hansen’s previous use of racist language and compelled him to place his stake up on the market. In early 2022 it was introduced that the Smith Leisure Group (house owners of the NBA Utah Jazz) and David Blitzer (owns stakes in franchises throughout 5 totally different sports activities) took over management of the membership.
Important Gamers
Javier Morales (Argentina) – Midfielder
Álvaro Saborío (Costa Rica) – Ahead
Nick Rimando (United States) – Goalkeeper
MLS (and RLC) file holder for profession wins, clear sheets, saves and appearances.
Performed in 7 MLS All-star video games.
Kyle Beckerman (United States) – Midfielder
Performed 14 of his 21 seasons with RLC.
Has 30 objectives (tenth all-time), 39 assists (third all-time) and 350 appearances (2nd all-time).
Performed in 8 MLS All-star video games.
Different Details
Have by no means completed first within the Western Convention; they’ve completed final twice (2006 & 2007).
Preliminary reactions to utilizing “Actual” have been combined and considerably destructive, however the fanbase has since warmed to it.
Maintain the MLS file for longest winless streak: 18 video games between 2005-2006.
Have a sister membership within the NWSL, the Utah Royals FC, and a reserve crew, the Actual Monarchs, that performs within the MLS Subsequent Professional league (third tier).
The membership’s Zion’s Financial institution Actual Academy in Herriman, UT (opened in 2018) provides year-round indoor coaching amenities for the membership and all its associates.
They compete in an annual derby with the Colorado Rapids for the Rocky Mountain Cup, but in addition have a fierce rivalry with Sporting Kansas Metropolis.
2024 Season Recap
16W – 11D – 7L for 59 factors.
Have been eradicated within the first spherical by Minnesota United, dropping each legs in PKs.
Who to Watch 2025
Parted methods with 12 gamers instantly after the 2024 season. Have subsequently transferred or loaned out one other 5. 4 homegrown contracts have been signed in the course of the offseason; one other eight gamers introduced in. With a pile of GAM money available (reportedly within the ~$8M vary) and an open DP slot, search for them to make a play for a confirmed purpose scorer.
Diogo Gonçalves (Portugal) – Midfielder
A midseason switch in 2024 who solely performed 9 video games.
As the only DP, of us will count on him to step up this 12 months.
Dominik Marczuk (Poland) – Ahead
Tyler Wolff (United States) – Winger
First Match
Journey to the Bay Space to tackle the San Jose Earthquakes on Feb. 22.
Different MLS Previews