Real Salt Lake (RSL) took a significant step towards improving their playoff chances with a thrilling 3-2 victory over St. Louis City SC on Saturday at America First Field. This win marks only the second time in the 2025 season that RSL has netted three goals in a match and the first since late April.
With this latest success, RSL has now gone unbeaten in their last three matches and sits 12th in the Western Conference standings, just four points away from the coveted ninth playoff spot. The tightly contested league has only five points separating teams ranked 7th to 13th, adding to the urgency for RSL as they navigate a pivotal July schedule that includes four home matches.
Head coach Pablo Mastroeni highlighted the importance of the win for team morale and confidence, emphasizing the need for continued accountability and self-improvement.
The scoring was ignited by Noel Caliskan, a former Real Monarch, who netted his first MLS goal in the sixth minute following a corner kick rebound. His impressive shot delivered an early lead for RSL.
Diogo Goncalves, the team’s highest-paid player, followed suit by scoring his second goal of the season right before halftime. This moment was particularly poignant for Goncalves, as he dedicated the goal to his recently deceased former teammate, Diogo Jota, celebrating with a tribute gesture during his goal celebration.
St. Louis made a push back with a header goal from Joao Klauss in the second half, but an own goal by Josh Yaro later on restored RSL’s two-goal advantage. St. Louis managed to inch closer again, but RSL held on to secure the victory.
As they look forward, RSL prepares for a crucial match against the eighth-place Houston Dynamo on July 12, where they will be bolstered by the return of All-Star Diego Luna, who recently concluded his stint in the Gold Cup.
This positive turn of events for RSL not only showcases their resilience but also reinvigorates their hopes for a playoff spot as they gear up for the challenges ahead.