Real Salt Lake

Royalty in the Wasatch: Real Salt Lake's rise from expansion to champions.

Real Salt Lake (RSL) is an American professional soccer club based in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area. The club competes in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member of the Western Conference. Founded in 2004, the club began play in 2005 as an expansion team.

Quick Facts

Nickname: Claret and Cobalt
Short name: RSL
Founded: 14 July 2004
Stadium: America First Field; Sandy, Utah
Capacity: 20,213
Owner: Miller Sports + Entertainment (Gail Miller)
Manager: Pablo Mastroeni
League: Major League Soccer

Lore & Background

The club plays its home games at America First Field, a soccer-specific stadium located in the Salt Lake City suburb of Sandy, Utah, which they share with their sister team, Utah Royals FC. Before moving to America First Field, RSL previously played home games at Rice-Eccles Stadium, located on the campus of the University of Utah, from 2005 to 2007. The team is currently led by head coach Pablo Mastroeni. In domestic soccer, Real Salt Lake won the 2009 MLS Cup, then finished as runners-up in the 2013 U.S. Open Cup and 2013 MLS Cup. The club additionally finished runners-up in the 2010–11 CONCACAF Champions League, becoming the first American club to reach the final under the tournament's group stage format. Their fully owned USL affiliate, Real Monarchs, won the USL Championship, the second division in American soccer, in 2019.

Reader's Guide

The Spanish title Real, meaning 'royal' in English, has been used since the early 20th century by Spanish soccer clubs who have received royal patronage from a reigning monarch—most notably Madrid, Zaragoza, Betis and Sociedad. In choosing the name Real for the Salt Lake-based team, initial owner Dave Checketts intended to create a brand name that would become well known for its simplicity, followed the European-style naming conventions of the league, and would potentially foster a partnership with Real Madrid. The Real Salt Lake name was initially met with skepticism, with it being accused of contrivance. Other suggested team names, such as 'Highlanders', 'Salt Lake SC', or 'Union SLC', were initially preferred for the club by locals. However, by at least 2014, reaction to the name had drastically improved, with the team establishing an identity representative of the Salt Lake community.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Real Salt Lake begin playing in MLS?

The club officially commenced its first season of competition on April 2, 2005. This launch initiated their ongoing competitive relationship with the LA Galaxy.

How did Real Salt Lake defeat the Galaxy for the championship?

RSL won the 2009 MLS Cup title by overcoming the LA Galaxy in a penalty shootout. This victory stands as one of the most significant moments in their rivalry history.

Who are some notable figures associated with Real Salt Lake?

Legendary players such as Nick Rimando and Kyle Beckerman have been central to the club's identity. Their contributions helped establish RSL as a formidable Western Conference rival.

What is the current status of the Galaxy versus RSL rivalry?

The matchup remains an active fixture within the MLS Western Conference schedule today. Fans continue to regard these games as key events in the league calendar.