Real Salt Lake aims to keep winning as San Diego FC visits for the first time

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Real Salt Lake returns to action at America First Field on Saturday night, facing MLS expansion side San Diego FC for the first time. Coming off a commanding 2-0 win over Seattle last weekend, RSL looks to build momentum and keep their shutout streak alive in front of their raucous home crowd.

San Diego FC has made a strong first impression in the MLS, securing a 2-0 road victory over reigning MLS Champions LA Galaxy in their debut match, powered by a brace from winger Anders Dryer. They followed it up with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against St Louis City in their home opener.

The new club made waves last summer by signing Mexican international Hirving “Chucky” Lozano from PSV Eindhoven as their first designated player. They then bolstered their midfield by adding US international Luca de la Torre on loan from La Liga’s Celta de Vigo.

Saturday’s match will mark a homecoming for former RSL fan-favorite Jasper Löffelsend, who was selected by San Diego in the expansion draft from the Colorado Rapids. After starting both of San Diego’s matches at right back, Löffelsend is eager to return to his old stomping grounds and hopes to give a good account of himself.

“I’ve got much love and respect for them,” he said. “Those are the guys who gave me a chance in the first place. But as soon as the whistle blows… I’ll do everything I can to take the three points away and bring them back home to San Diego.”

San Diego Head Coach Mikey Varas, who previously coached RSL star Diego Luna with the USA under 20s, confirmed that Lozano will not be available due to a lower leg injury suffered against St Louis. He emphasized, however, that it won’t alter their approach. 

“Nothing changes for us,” he said. “We focus on our people, our performance, our principles. We’re going to go after the game, we’re going to be brave on the ball, we’re going to be relentless. We’re going to press to play our game.”

Real Salt Lake enters the matchup in strong form, having secured their first win of the season with a convincing performance against Seattle. Striker Forster Ajago, who has found the back of the net in consecutive matches, will look to continue his scoring streak, while the defense aims to collect another clean sheet.

Another newcomer, Ariath “Ari” Piol, who started against the Sounders and logged 68 strong minutes before making way for Ajago, kept it simple when asked about the team’s focus.

“Our goal tomorrow is to go out and win in front of our fans,” he said, “and keep the momentum going.”

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. MT at America First Field in Sandy. Fans in attendance will get a chance to celebrate the Utah Royals who will be honored at halftime ahead of their return to the NWSL this season.  

Tickets are available here, and the match will be broadcast on Apple TV+ / MLS Season Pass, with RSL legendary broadcast partners Brian “Dunny” Dunseth and David “DJ” James reunited on the call.

For more Real Salt Lake and Utah Royals coverage, check out the Royal Riot Podcast, available on all major streaming platforms.