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Real Salt Lake

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Real Salt Lake
Real Salt Lake
source
ClubnameReal Salt Lake
Founded2004
GroundAmerica First Field
Capacity20,213
OwnerDavid S. Blitzer
MgrtitleHead coach
ManagerPablo Mastroeni
LeagueMajor League Soccer
Current2024 Major League Soccer season

Real Salt Lake is an American professional soccer club based in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area that competes in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member of the league's Western Conference. The club was founded in 2004 by owner-investor Dave Checketts and began play in the 2005 MLS season. Real Salt Lake won its first major trophy, the MLS Cup, in 2009, and has also claimed the MLS Supporters' Shield in 2022.

History

The franchise was awarded to Dave Checketts in 2004, with the team's name and crest paying homage to the famed Spanish club Real Madrid. The club's early years were marked by struggles on the field, failing to reach the MLS Cup Playoffs in its first three seasons. A significant turning point came with the opening of its soccer-specific stadium in 2008 and the arrival of key players like Kyle Beckerman and Javier Morales. This culminated in a remarkable playoff run in 2009, defeating the Chicago Fire, Columbus Crew, and the Los Angeles Galaxy to win the MLS Cup in a dramatic penalty shootout at Qwest Field. Under the long-term leadership of general manager Garth Lagerwey and coach Jason Kreis, the club established itself as a consistent contender, reaching another MLS Cup final in 2013. In 2022, led by head coach Pablo Mastroeni and MVP Sergio Córdova, the club secured its first MLS Supporters' Shield.

Stadium and facilities

The club originally played its home matches at Rice-Eccles Stadium on the campus of the University of Utah. In 2008, it moved into its permanent, soccer-specific home, originally named Rio Tinto Stadium, in the suburb of Sandy, Utah. The venue was renamed America First Field in 2022 following a sponsorship agreement with America First Credit Union. The stadium has hosted numerous significant matches, including MLS Cup finals, Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup finals, and international fixtures for the United States national team. The club's training center is the RSL Training Academy in Herriman, Utah, which also houses the club's MLS Next Pro affiliate, Real Monarchs, and its National Women's Soccer League team, Utah Royals FC.

Club culture and supporters

The club's primary supporters' group is the Royal Army, known for its vibrant displays and vocal support at America First Field. Other key groups include the Salt City United and La Barra Real. The club's rivalry with the Colorado Rapids is formally recognized in the Rocky Mountain Cup, a fan-created trophy contested annually between the two teams. Matchday traditions often feature the beating of a drum by a dedicated supporter to rally the crowd. The club has developed a strong identity tied to the broader Intermountain West region, with its crest incorporating the colors of the surrounding landscape and a stylized mountain lion.

Players and personnel

The club's first designated player was Álvaro Saborío, who joined in 2010. Other notable players in club history include longtime captain and U.S. international Kyle Beckerman, Argentine playmaker Javier Morales, and goalkeeper Nick Rimando, who holds the MLS record for career wins and saves. The current head coach is former player Pablo Mastroeni, who took over permanently in 2022. The sporting department is led by general manager Elliot Fall. The ownership group is headed by David S. Blitzer, who acquired a majority stake in 2022 from previous owner Dell Loy Hansen.

Honors and achievements

The club's trophy cabinet includes the MLS Cup, won in 2009, and the MLS Supporters' Shield, secured in 2022. Real Salt Lake was also runner-up in the MLS Cup in 2013 and in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 2022. The club's development academy has been highly successful, producing talents like Sebastian Saucedo and Justen Glad, and winning the U.S. Soccer Development Academy national championship in 2017.

Rivalries

The club's primary and longest-standing rivalry is with the Colorado Rapids, competing for the Rocky Mountain Cup since 2005. This interstate clash is fueled by geographic proximity and historical matches in the MLS Cup Playoffs. A significant rivalry also exists with Seattle Sounders FC, stemming from intense playoff meetings, including the 2009 MLS Cup final and the 2011 and 2012 conference finals. Matches against Sporting Kansas City have also grown in intensity due to numerous postseason encounters and contrasting styles of play, particularly during the tenure of coaches Jason Kreis and Peter Vermes.

Category:Major League Soccer clubs Category:Soccer clubs in Utah Category:2004 establishments in Utah