After last year’s struggles, the Claret and Cobalt of Real Salt Lake have a chance to come out stronger and win something.
Real Salt Lake is back. Tomorrow markd the first match of the preseason, and then the Claret and Cobalt will head to Vancouver, Canada to kick off MLS play on Feburary 21st. RSL will have their home opener one week later, as they host Seattle Sounders FC. RSL ended last year with a rough loss at the Portland Timbers in the Wild Card Round of the MLS Cup Playoffs. RSL lloks to pick themselves up from last year’s struggles and come out stronger.
Real Salt Lake finished the 2025 regular season with a 12-5-17 record, and 41 points. RSL finished in the ninth spot in the Western Conference, before the disapointing exit in the Wild Card round. RSL has signed a few great players, such as Victor Olatunji, Ariath Piol, and Rafael Cabral (who played every minute of every RSL match). While the team was far from perfect, they did the best they could with what they had, and exceeded preseason expectations.
Of course, Major Leauge Soccer is a unique leauge because it has a draft every year. RSL has brought in a few new faces, and there is always the expectation that they should come in at a moment’s notice. RSL also made a few signings in the offseason, and extended a few key contracts. Of course, there is always going to be hardship, and RSL knows that. But if they stay strong, and rely on Diego Luna, Zavier Gozo, Justen Glad, and Rafael Cabral, they could get far this year.
Soccer is a toght sport, and there is never a guarenteed win. But RSL is resilliant, and can make magic happen. It is a new year, which means a fresh start, and a chance to make something amazing happen. The MLS Cup is there for the taking, and RSL has to want it more. They have the talent, and the coaching, now the players have to execute. It’s a long season ahead, and RSL is ready.
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