Real Salt Lake

Real Salt Lake (/riːˈæl/), also known as RSL, are an American professional soccer franchise that competes as a member club of Major League Soccer (MLS) in the Western Conference. RSL began play in 2005 as an expansion team of the league. The club was founded in 2004 when the club's first owner and founder was awarded an expansion berth in Major League Soccer.

For the former women's team, see Real Salt Lake Women.
Real Salt Lake
Nickname(s)Claret and Cobalt[1]
FoundedJuly 14, 2004 (2004-07-14)
StadiumRio Tinto Stadium
Sandy, Utah
Capacity20,213[2]
OwnerDell Loy Hansen
Head coachFreddy Juarez
LeagueMajor League Soccer
2019Western Conference: 3rd
Overall: 6th
Playoffs: Conference Semifinals
WebsiteClub website

The club plays its home games at Rio Tinto Stadium, 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 Rio Tinto, RSL played home games at Rice-Eccles Stadium, located on the campus of the University of Utah, from 2005–2007. The team is currently led by interim head coach Freddy Juarez.

In domestic soccer, Real Salt Lake won the 2009 MLS Cup and they finished runners-up in the Supporters Shield in 2010, and the 2013 edition of the U.S. Open Cup. They were also runners-up in the 2013 MLS Cup. The franchise regional success to date was in the 2010–11 CONCACAF Champions League, where RSL finished runners-up in the tournament becoming the first American club, since the CONCACAF Champions League format was introduced in 2008, to advance to the final stage of the tournament. Their fully owned USL affiliate, Real Monarchs, won the 2019 USL Championship, the second division title in American soccer.

Name

The title Real (Spanish pronunciation: [reˈal]) is a Spanish word that means 'royal' in English. The term is usually used by Spanish clubs who have received royal patronage from a reigning Spanish king, the most famous of which include Real Madrid, Real Zaragoza, Real Betis and Real Sociedad. In choosing the name Real, owner Dave Checketts intended to create a brand name that would become well known for its simplicity, as well as an association with the world-famous club in Madrid that the club had been striving toward.[3]

One of the reasons for using Real was founder Dave Checketts' admiration for Real Madrid during his time as the general manager of the National Basketball Association (NBA)'s Utah Jazz franchise. Checketts also found it encouraging that Real Madrid had a basketball team as well.[4]

Local reaction to the new team's name was initially met with mixed feelings.[5][6] On top of that, some thought that the name sounded contrived, and did not truly reflect the Salt Lake area, with other suggested team names such as "Highlanders", "Salt Lake SC", or "Union SLC" being more preferred. However, by at least 2014, reaction to the name had improved, with the team establishing its identity as a representative of Salt Lake.[7][8]

History
Main article: History of Real Salt Lake

Early years (2005–2006)
Robbie Russell (in red) playing for Real Salt Lake

Real Salt Lake became the twelfth MLS franchise when Major League Soccer awarded an expansion franchise on July 14, 2004, to SCP Worldwide, headed by Dave Checketts. Jason Kreis became the first player in RSL history, coming in a trade from the Dallas Burn. Other notable players that played in RSL's early years includes veterans Clint Mathis, Eddie Pope and Jeff Cunningham.

RSL's first season was 2005 under head coach John Ellinger. RSL began play on April 2, 2005 against New York MetroStars at Giants Stadium, which ended in a scoreless tie.[9] The following week, Jason Kreis scored the first goal in franchise history in a 3–1 loss to LA Galaxy at the Home Depot Center. RSL played its first-ever home match on April 16, 2005, before 25,287 fans at Rice-Eccles Stadium; Brian Dunseth scored a header in the 81st minute to deliver a 1–0 victory over the Colorado Rapids.[10] The season was mostly a disappointment, however, with the team setting a league record by posting a 557-minute scoreless streak (later broken by Toronto FC). They were also on a 10-game losing streak before managing a 2–2 draw on the road against San Jose Earthquakes. The first season finished with a record of 5–22–5.

In 2006, Real Salt Lake's second season, the team recorded five losses and one tie in the first six matches of the season. RSL had gone 18 consecutive matches without a victory—the longest winless streak in MLS history. Jeff Cunningham, who came to Salt Lake from Colorado, provided most of Real's highlights during an otherwise poor 2006 season. The team failed to qualify for the playoffs, finishing with a 10–13–9 record.

Turnaround and new stadium (2007–2008)

Real Salt Lake boasted a formidable attack with Cunningham and Kreis up front, joined by recently signed Panamanian international Luis Tejada. They were supported by veteran talent in the midfield and defense, such as Chris Klein, Carey Talley, and newly arrived goalkeeper Nick Rimando. Their first game of the 2007 MLS season was a 2–2 draw for FC Dallas on Real's home turf. RSL were outscored 6–0 in their next three games. In a stunning move, Ellinger was fired and replaced by Kreis,[11] who immediately retired as a player. Also, general manager Steve Pastorino resigned and was later replaced by Garth Lagerwey. The franchise launched a massive re-construction project that continued throughout the year. The team finished with a disappointing 6–15–9 record, missing the playoffs yet again.

In the 2008 MLS season, working with new General Manager Garth Lagerwey, RSL added several key players including Kyle Beckerman, Robbie Findley, Javier Morales, Nat Borchers and Jamison Olave. As Real established chemistry together, they emerged as a force when playing at home. The team's home field advantage improved dramatically in with the opening in October 2008 of Rio Tinto Stadium, the new soccer-specific stadium in Sandy. Through the regular season, their home record ended at 8–1–6. Finishing 2008 with a 10–10–10 record, RSL advanced to the playoffs for the first time.[12] RSL advanced past Chivas USA in the first round of the playoffs. The post-season ended, however, with a RSL lost to the Red Bulls in the Western Conference final.

MLS and CONCACAF success (2009–2012)

In the 2009 MLS season, RSL proved nearly invincible at home, having a 9–1–5 record in Rio Tinto Stadium, with a record-setting +23 goal differential. Real Salt Lake did not lose a league game at home since May 2009. However, the team struggled to maintain form during road games. In the final weeks of the regular season, RSL found itself in a battle for the final two spots in the MLS playoffs. However, thanks to a victory over Colorado in the final game of the regular season,[13] RSL clinched a position in the 2009 MLS playoffs. Despite finishing with a losing record overall (11–12–7), the team was granted the last spot through a tie-breaker. Real Salt Lake went on to win the 2009 MLS Cup by defeating the Los Angeles Galaxy in the November 22 final. RSL played the L.A. Galaxy to a 1–1 tie through overtime and won the MLS Cup (5–4 on penalties). Robbie Russell won the game on a penalty kick. Goalkeeper Nick Rimando was named Man of the Match.[14] The victory in the 2009 MLS Cup qualified RSL for the 2010–11 CONCACAF Champions League.

The 2010 season saw RSL continue its home unbeaten streak. On October 16, 2010 Real Salt Lake improved their home unbeaten streak to 25 games after beating the FC Dallas. This win gave Real Salt Lake the most consecutive home games without a loss in MLS history.[15][16] RSL tied San Jose Earthquakes 2005 record for a single-season home unbeaten streak with zero losses in the 2010 regular season. Real Salt Lake finished second in the race for the Supporters Shield with a (15–4–11) record. Goalkeeper Nick Rimando led the league with 14 shutouts, and Jámison Olave was named MLS Defender of the Year. In the MLS playoffs, however, RSL lost to FC Dallas in the first round.

For the 2010–11 CONCACAF Champions League, Real Salt Lake were placed in Group A with Cruz Azul of Mexico, Toronto FC of Canada and Arabe Unido of Panama. Real Salt Lake finished first in Group A, with a perfect 3–0 home record and a 1–1–1 away record.[17] RSL continued its run in the 2010–11 CONCACAF Champions League knockout rounds in spring 2011. In the quarterfinals, Real Salt Lake advanced by beating the Columbus Crew 4–1 over two games. In the semifinals, Real Salt Lake beat Saprissa 2–0 in the home leg, before losing the away leg 1–2. The 3–2 aggregate was enough for Real to advance and become the first MLS team to reach the CONCACAF Champions League finals. Real Salt Lake played the first leg of the finals at Mexican side Monterrey. RSL's Javier Morales scored in the 89th minute, ending the game in a 2–2 draw. The second leg of the final was held on April 27, 2011, at Rio Tinto Stadium; Monterrey scored the only goal of the game, giving Monterrey a 3–2 aggregate victory.

In their 2011 MLS season, RSL's home unbeaten streak ended at 29 games on May 28, 2011, with their loss to the Seattle Sounders FC.[18] Real finished the regular season with a 15–11–8 record and finished third in the western conference. In the MLS playoffs, RSL defeated Seattle Sounders 3–2 on aggregate. In the conference finals, RSL lost 3–1 to the LA Galaxy and were eliminated. RSL qualified for the 2012–13 CONCACAF Champions League, since LA had won both the 2011 MLS Cup and Supporters' Shield, and RSL had the next best record.[19]

In 2012, Real finished second in the Western conference during the regular season. In the playoffs, RSL lost to Seattle in the conference semifinals, and were eliminated from the playoffs. In the 2012–13 CONCACAF Champions League, RSL were placed in Group 2 with Herediano of Costa Rica and Tauro of Panama, but were eliminated at the group stage.[20]

New ownership, managers, and academy (2013–present)

In 2013, Checketts sold his stake in Real Salt Lake to minority owner Dell Loy Hansen.[21] Before the season, the club also traded key players Jámison Olave, Fabián Espíndola and Will Johnson.[22] RSL finished the season in second place in the Western Conference with a 16–10–8 (W-L-T) record, and reached both the Open Cup and MLS Cup finals, losing both to D.C. United and Sporting Kansas City, respectively.

After the season, head coach Jason Kreis left Real Salt Lake to become the first head coach of expansion club New York City FC,[23] with long-time assistant coach Jeff Cassar replacing him at the helm.[24] Despite the departure, the club finished the 2014 season in third in the Western Conference, with a record of 15–8–11 totaling 56 points, and qualified for the 2015-16 CONCACAF Champions League. In the MLS Cup Playoffs, RSL was eliminated in the conference semifinals by eventual champions LA Galaxy 5–0 on aggregate.

Despite a five-game unbeaten start to the 2015 season, the team eventually began to struggle in the standings, coupled with a loss to Sporting Kansas City in the semi-finals of the 2015 Open Cup.[25] RSL also lost key player Nat Borchers, who they traded to the Portland Timbers before the season[26] and all-time goalscorer Álvaro Saborío, traded away to D.C. United mid-season.[27] Although late-season signings Luis Silva and Juan Manuel Martinez provided strong performances, the team did not qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2007.

The 2016 season started with the Quarterfinals on the 2015–16 CONCACAF Champions League where they were eliminated by eventual runner up Tigres UANL of Liga MX by an aggregate score of 3–1. The 2016 season saw Real Salt Lake return to the playoffs but they were once again eliminated by the LA Galaxy, this time by a 3–1 score line on the road in the Western Conference play in game. In the off season, longtime legends Javier Morales and Jamison Olave did not have their options exercised by the club.[28]

On March 20, 2017 the club announced that head coach Jeff Cassar had been dismissed from his duties only three games into the season.[29] Daryl Shore was named interim head coach for the two games against the New York Red Bulls and Minnesota United. On March 29 it was announced that Mike Petke would take over the head coaching position following the game against Minnesota United on April 1.[30] Despite a dazzling late season run, the team finished one point shy of making the playoffs.

The 2018 season was heralded with the opening of the new $78 million Training Center and Zion's Bank Real Academy in Herriman, Utah. The facility was praised for offering world-class training amenities year round for Real Salt Lake and the organization's other teams the NWSL's Utah Royals FC and the men's second division side Real Monarchs. It also houses the team's youth academy, which was moved from Casa Grande, Arizona, offering a single location and clear path for acquiring and developing young talent.[31]

2019 saw the final seasons of both long-time goalkeeper Nick Rimando and defender Tony Beltran, both of whom retired following the end of the campaign. The club also saw the dismissal of head coach Mike Petke on August 11, following an incident between the coach and match officials during the 2019 Leagues Cup. Initially named interim manager for the remainder of the season, assistant coach Freddy Juarez was eventually named as head coach following the season.[32][33]

Colors and badge

The team's official colors are claret red, cobalt blue, and real gold.[34][35]

Uniform evolution

Home, away, and third uniforms.[36][37][38]

  • Home
2005
2006–07
2008–09
2010–11
2012–13
2014–15
2016–17
2018–2019
2020–
  • Away
2005
2006–07
2008–09
2010–11
2012–14
2015–16
2017–18
2019–
  • Third/special
2008
2010–11
2018

Stadium
Rio Tinto Stadium has been RSL's home stadium since 2008.
Name Location Years in use Capacity
Rice-Eccles Stadium Salt Lake City, Utah 2005–2008 45,071
Rio Tinto Stadium Sandy, Utah 2008–present 20,213

In 2005 a soccer-specific stadium was approved for Sandy, a suburb of Salt Lake City. However, a vote in 2006 struck down a funding proposal. Dave Checketts said that he would sell it if a proposal was not put forward. Parties from several cities, including Rochester, New York and St. Louis, Missouri, expressed interest in purchasing the franchise and moving it.

Finally, after months of discussions an agreement was put in place and Real Salt Lake announced that they would move forward with the construction of Real Salt Lake Stadium.[39][40] The Debt Review Committee of Salt Lake County, however, voted against the stadium. In response, Real Salt Lake's owner announced the team would be sold and likely move out of the Salt Lake area after the 2007 season.[41] However, a new stadium proposal was passed by the State Senate.[42][43][44] The Utah House approved House bill 1SHB38, approving $35 million towards the development of Real Salt Lake's new home. The governor signed the bill.

The $110 million stadium was built in Sandy, a suburb of Salt Lake City. The stadium was named after its sponsor, Rio Tinto Group. The stadium's opening date was set for October 9, 2008.[45]

Attendance by season
MLS season Regular season MLS playoffs
2005 18,935 DNQ
2006 16,366 DNQ
2007 15,960 DNQ
2008 16,179 17,364
2009 16,375 11,499
2010 17,095 19,324
2011 17,594 17,067
2012 19,153 19,657
2013 19,362 18,187
2014 20,351 20,713
2015 20,160 DNQ
2016 19,759 NHG
2017 18,781 DNQ
2018 18,605 14,045
2019 17,970 17,452

DNQ = Did not qualify; NHG = No home game during playoffs

Longest home unbeaten streaks
Legend
In progress
  • Only regular-season matches played with Real Salt Lake in Utah counted towards records.[46][47]
As of May 6, 2019
Home unbeaten run
Rank Games unbeaten Start date End date Record (W–D–L)
1 29 June 6, 2009 May 14, 2011 (20–9–0)
2 14 March 17, 2018 September 15, 2018 (10–4–0)
March 12, 2016 September 16, 2016 (8–6–0)
4 12 July 4, 2014 March 29, 2015 (9–3–0)
March 29, 2008 August 29, 2008 (7–5–0)

Club culture
Leo the Lion at a "Meet the Players" event, August 2010

Affiliated Teams
  • Utah Royals FC – compete in the NWSL, the first division women's professional league in the United States.
  • Real Monarchs – compete in the USL, the second division men's professional league in the United States.

Rivalries
Further information: Rocky Mountain Cup

The main rival of Real Salt Lake is considered to be the Colorado Rapids, with the two teams being the closest to each other geographically, and also competing for the annual Rocky Mountain Cup.[48] Competition first began upon Salt Lake's entry into Major League Soccer in 2005, with the cup itself being awarded by a bi-partisan "Committee of 10", made up of fans from each respective club. Although dominated by the Rapids early on, Salt Lake has since taken a 9–4 series lead over their rivals, and are the current holders of the cup, having won it during the 2017 season.

Although no annual trophy is involved, since 2011, the more fierce rival has become Sporting Kansas City, which was born out of a 2011 preseason brawl,[49] and culminated in a physical RSL defeat in the 2013 MLS Cup after a penalty shootout.[50] Since that time, the teams have regularly competed for supremacy at the top of the Western Conference, and even during Real Salt Lake's rebuilding years, have faced off in many heated exchanges.[51]

The team also maintains smaller, fan-driven rivalries with both Los Angeles based teams and Seattle Sounders FC. The latter is derived from their meeting in the 2012 MLS Cup Playoffs and due to Seattle prying away Garth Lagerway, the general manager who built the roster of the team's Golden Years in 2014.[52]

Supporters groups

Real Salt Lake has five supporters groups—Salt City United, Rogue Cavaliers Brigade, Section 26, Riot Brigade and La Barra—which as of 2019 all exist under a larger unified umbrella group known as The Riot.[53]

Leo the Lion is the official mascot of Real Salt Lake.[54]

Club anthem

In 2011, Branden Steineckert, drummer of punk band Rancid and a supporter of Real Salt Lake, composed the song "Believe" in honor of the club. Initially posted on YouTube, the song has since been adopted as the team's official anthem, being sung at the beginning of every home game, as well as after all goals scored by RSL.[55]

Revenue and profitability

As Real Salt Lake is a small-market team, one of the team's biggest challenges is bringing in enough revenue to remain competitive.[56] Opening Rio Tinto Stadium in October 2008 provided a significant revenue boost to the team. Real Salt Lake went from 4,000 season-ticket holders before October 2008, to 8,750 in 2012, 10,000 in 2013,[56] and 15,000+ in 2016.[57]

Sponsors
Period Kit manufacturer Shirt sponsor
2007–2013 Adidas XanGo
2014–present LifeVantage

RSL has a multimillion-dollar sponsorship deal with LifeVantage.[58][59] It previously had a multimillion-dollar deal with XanGo a nutritional supplements company based in Utah, to carry the XanGo logo on the front of RSL jerseys from the 2007 season until 2014.[60] Additional sponsors include JetBlue Airways[61] and Maverik, Inc.[62]

Broadcasting

Radio broadcasts air on KALL AM 700 (English) and KTUB AM 1600 (Spanish).

As of the 2015 season, Sinclair Broadcast Group holds television rights to Real Salt Lake games that are not aired by Major League Soccer's national television partners. The telecasts (which, until its discontinuation, were originally presented by Sinclair's American Sports Network) feature pre- and post-game coverage. Sinclair's Utah station KMYU serves as the team's flagship station, and telecasts are syndicated to other Sinclair-owned stations in the region, and non-Sinclair stations in Albuquerque, Phoenix and Tucson.[63] In 2018, the team extended its television deal with Sinclair,[64] and announced a streaming partnership with KSL-TV, under which it will offer in-market streaming of RSL's regional broadcasts, as well as Utah Royals FC (NWSL) and Real Monarchs (USL), on digital platforms.[65][66]

Players and staff
For details on former players, see All-time Real Salt Lake roster.

Current roster
As of February 27, 2020[67][68]
No. Position Player Nation
1 Goalkeeper David Ochoa (HG)  United States
2 Defender Alvin Jones  Trinidad and Tobago
3 Defender Ashtone Morgan  Canada
4 Defender Donny Toia  United States
5 Midfielder Kyle Beckerman  United States
6 Midfielder Pablo Ruíz  Argentina
7 Forward Giuseppe Rossi  Italy
8 Midfielder Damir Kreilach  Croatia
9 Forward Justin Meram  Iraq
10 Forward Corey Baird (HG)  United States
11 Midfielder Albert Rusnák (DP)  Slovakia
12 Forward Douglas Martínez  Honduras
13 Midfielder Nick Besler  United States
14 Defender Nedum Onuoha  England
15 Defender Justen Glad (HG)  United States
16 Midfielder Maikel Chang  Cuba
17 Forward Chris Garcia (HG)  United States
18 Goalkeeper Zac MacMath  United States
19 Midfielder Luke Mulholland  England
20 Defender Erik Holt (HG)  United States
21 Forward Tate Schmitt (HG)  United States
22 Defender Aaron Herrera (HG)  United States
23 Forward Milan Iloski (HG)  United States
25 Midfielder Everton Luiz  Brazil
26 Midfielder Luis Arriaga (HG)  United States
27 Forward Julián Vázquez (HG)  Mexico
28 Forward Jeizon Ramírez (DP)  Venezuela
30 Defender Marcelo Silva  Uruguay
43 Midfielder Justin Portillo  United States
50 Forward Sam Johnson (DP)  Liberia
51 Goalkeeper Andrew Putna  United States

Technical and coaching staff
Title Name
General manager Elliott Fall
Head coach Freddy Juarez
Assistant coach Steffen Siebert
Assistant coach Tyrone Marshall
Director of goalkeeping Todd Hoffard
Director of video analysis Ted Eck
Head scout Andy Williams
Director of physical performance Henry Ruggiero
Sports science lead Matt Hawley
Team administrator Tim Weaver
Head athletic trainer Tyson Pace
Assistant athletic trainer Tyler Knight
Athletic trainer B.O.
Equipment manager Kevin Harter

Last updated: January 18, 2018
Source: Real Salt Lake

Retired numbers
Main article: List of retired numbers in association football
No. Player Position Nation Tenure
9Jason Kreis[69]Forward United States2005–2007
11Javier MoralesMidfielder Argentina2007–2016

Team captains
Nationality Name Tenure
 United States Jason Kreis 2005–2007
 United States Eddie Pope 2007
 United States Kyle Beckerman 2008–present

General managers
Name Tenure
Steve Pastorino 2004–2007
Garth Lagerwey 2007–2014
Craig Waibel 2015–2019
Elliot Fall 2019–present

Head coaches
  • Includes MLS regular Season, MLS Playoffs, CONCACAF Champions League, Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, and Leagues Cup.
As of March 9, 2020
All Time Real Salt Lake Coaching Stats
Head coach Tenure Games Win Loss Draw Win % PPG Playoffs Notes
John Ellinger January 2005 – May 3, 2007 71 16 39 16 33.8% 0.90 0/2 Inaugural head coach
Jason Kreis May 3, 2007 – December 10, 2013 261 112 85 64 55.2% 1.52 6/7 First championship
Jeff Cassar December 18, 2013 – March 20, 2017 121 45 43 33 50.8% 1.39 2/3
Daryl Shore March 20, 2017 – April 3, 2017 2 0 1 1 25.0% 0.5 0/0 interim
Mike Petke April 3, 2017 – August 11, 2019 91 37 39 15 48.9% 1.38 1/2
Freddy Juarez August 11, 2019 – present 17 8 5 4 58.8% 1.64 1/1 interim until December 3, 2019

Honors

Source:[70]

Team results
Main article: List of Real Salt Lake seasons

Year-by-year statistics
  • MLS regular season games only
As of March 9, 2020[71]
Legend
Champion
Runner-up
Semifinal
Games to be played
Season League record Finishing position
Played Won Lost Drew GF GA Diff Points Reg season
conf finish		 MLS Cup Playoffs U.S. Open Cup CONCACAF
Champions' League		 Leagues Cup
2005 32 5 22 5 30 65 −35 20 5th, West DNQ 3R (0–1) DNQ –
2006 32 10 13 9 45 49 −4 39 6th, West DNQ 4R (1–1) DNQ –
2007 30 6 15 9 31 45 −14 27 6th, West DNQ DNQ DNQ –
2008 30 10 10 10 40 39 +1 40 3rd, West Conference Finals DNQ DNQ –
2009 30 11 12 7 43 35 +8 40 5th, West Won MLS Cup DNQ DNQ –
2010 30 15 4 11 45 20 +25 56 2nd, West Conference Semifinals DNQ RU (2010–11) –
2011 34 15 11 8 44 36 +8 53 3rd, West Conference Finals QF (1–1) DNQ (2011–12) –
2012 34 17 11 6 46 35 +11 57 2nd, West Conference Semifinals 3R (0–1) GS (2012–13) –
2013 34 16 10 8 57 41 +16 56 2nd, West MLS Cup runners up RU (4–1) DNQ (2013–14) –
2014 34 15 8 11 54 39 +15 56 3rd, West Conference Semifinals 4R (0–1) DNQ (2014–15) –
2015 34 11 15 8 38 48 −10 41 9th, West DNQ SF (3–1) QF (2015–16) –
2016 34 12 12 10 44 46 −2 46 6th, West Knockout Round R16 (1–1) DNQ –
2017 34 13 15 6 49 55 −6 45 8th, West DNQ 4R (0–1) DNQ –
2018 34 14 13 7 55 58 −3 49 6th, West Conference Semifinals 4R (0–1) DNQ –
2019 34 16 13 5 46 41 +5 53 3rd, West Conference Semifinals 4R (0–1) DNQ QF (0–1)
2020 2 0 0 2 1 1 0 2 West R32 (0–0) DNQ R16 (0–0)
Total 492 186 184 122 668 653 +15 680

Notes:

  • RSL won the 2009 MLS Cup by defeating the LA Galaxy 5–4 on penalty kicks.
  • RSL lost the 2013 MLS Cup final to Sporting Kansas City 6–7 on penalty kicks.

CONCACAF Champions League
As of March 3, 2016
Real Salt Lake in CONCACAF competition
Season Qualification method Round Opposition Home Away
2010–11 2009 MLS Cup champion Group Stage Árabe Unido 2–1 3–2
Cruz Azul 3–1 4–5
Toronto FC 4–1 1–1
Quarterfinals Columbus Crew 4–1 0–0
Semifinals Saprissa 2–0 1–2
Finals Monterrey 0–1 2–2
2012–13 2011 MLS Supporters' Shield

third place

 Group Stage Herediano 0–0 0–1
Tauro F.C. 2–0 1–0
2015–16 2014 MLS Supporters' Shield

fourth place

 Group Stage Municipal 1–0 1–0
Santa Tecla 2–1 0–0
Quarterfinals UANL 1–1 0–2
  • Win %- Number of wins divided by number of games played (ties count as half a win)
  • Games decided by a PK Shoot out counted as win or loss not Draw.
As of March 3, 2016
CONCACAF Champions League Team, by Team records:
Team Country Home Away Total
GP W L D F A GD Win % GP W L D F A GD Win % GP W L D F A GD Win %
Árabe Unido  PAN 1 1 0 0 2 1 +1 100% 1 1 0 0 3 2 +1 100% 2 2 0 0 5 3 +2 100%
Columbus Crew  USA 1 1 0 0 4 1 +3 100% 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 50.0% 2 1 0 1 4 1 +3 75.0%
Cruz Azul  MEX 1 1 0 0 3 1 +2 100% 1 0 1 0 4 5 −1 0.0% 2 1 1 0 7 6 +1 50.0%
Herediano  CRC 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 50.0% 1 0 1 0 0 1 −1 0.0% 2 0 1 1 0 1 −1 25.0%
Monterrey  MEX 1 0 1 0 0 1 −1 0.0% 1 0 0 1 2 2 0 50.0% 2 0 1 1 2 3 −1 25.0%
Municipal  GUA 1 1 0 0 1 0 +1 100% 1 1 0 0 1 0 +1 100% 2 2 0 0 2 0 +2 100%
Santa Tecla  SLV 1 1 0 0 2 1 +1 100% 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 50.0% 2 1 0 1 2 1 +1 75.0%
Saprissa  CRC 1 1 0 0 2 0 +2 100% 1 0 1 0 1 2 −1 0.0% 2 1 1 0 3 2 +1 50.0%
Tauro F.C.  PAN 1 1 0 0 2 0 +2 100% 1 1 0 0 1 0 +1 100% 2 2 0 0 3 0 +3 100%
Toronto FC  CAN 1 1 0 0 4 1 +3 100% 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 50.0% 2 1 0 1 5 2 +3 75.0%
UANL  MEX 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 50.0% 1 0 1 0 0 2 −2 0.0% 2 0 1 1 1 3 −2 25.0%
Total 11 8 1 2 21 7 +14 81.8% 11 3 4 4 13 15 -2 45.5% 22 11 5 6 34 22 +12 63.6%

Leagues Cup
Season Round Opponent Result
2019 Quarterfinals Tigres UANL 0–1
2020 Round of 16 TBD

MLS records
  • Fewest goals allowed: 20[72] (previous record 23, Houston 2007)
  • Overall goal difference: +25[72] (previous record +22, San Jose 2005 and D.C. United 2007)
  • Home goal difference: +24[72] (previous record +23, Real Salt Lake 2009)
  • Total home points (30-game season): 37[72] (previous record 35, Columbus 2009)
  • Fewest home losses: 0[72] (equals previous record set by San Jose in 2005)
  • Fewest home goals allowed: 7[72] (previous record 8, Colorado 2004)[73]

Associated teams
See also: Real Monarchs, Utah Royals FC, and Real Salt Lake Women

The reserve team of Real Salt Lake, named Real Monarchs SLC, was created on September 10, 2014 as a bridge between the club's academy program and the first level team. The team began play in the Western Conference of the United Soccer League during the 2015 season, playing their home games at Rio Tinto Stadium along with their parent team. Starting in 2018, the Monarchs will move to Zions Bank Stadium, a 5,000-seat facility located at RSL's new training center in Herriman.[74]

A women's soccer team, called Real Salt Lake Women, was founded in 2008. The team is currently a member of the Western Division of United Women's Soccer, the second tier of women's soccer in the United States and Canada, and plays its home games at Ute Field, on the campus of the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.

Real Salt Lake added a second women's team, this one in the top-level National Women's Soccer League, in November 2017.[75] This team effectively replaced FC Kansas City in the NWSL, as FC Kansas City soon folded and all of its player contracts were assigned to the new RSL franchise.[76] Shortly thereafter, the new team, which will share Rio Tinto Stadium, was unveiled as Utah Royals FC.[77]

Player records

Career
  • Players in Bold are still active
  • Only regular season matches played with Real Salt Lake counted towards all-time records. Stats from MLS play offs, U.S. Open Cup, Super Liga and CONCACAF Champions league are not included.
As of March 9, 2020[78]

Single season
  • Only regular season matches played with Real Salt Lake counted towards records.
  • Players in bold currently play for Real Salt Lake.
Legend
Indicates current season
As of October 7, 2018[79]
Shutouts
Rank Player Nation Season Shutouts Minutes
1 Nick Rimando 2010 14 2430
2 Nick Rimando 2011 13 2970
3 Nick Rimando 2012 12 2790
4 Nick Rimando 2019 10 2610
5 Nick Rimando 2009 9 2285
Nick Rimando 2013 9 2430
7 Nick Rimando 2015 8 2160
Nick Rimando 2017 8 2488
Nick Rimando 2008 8 2700
10 Nick Rimando 2014 7 2160
Nick Rimando 2007 7 2430
Nick Rimando 2018 7 2925

Hat tricks
Player Date Opponent Result Competition
Robbie Findley April 2, 2009 Columbus Crew W 4–1 MLS
Damir Kreilach September 1, 2018 LA Galaxy W 6–2
Jason Kreis July 13, 2005 Minnesota Thunder L 4–6 Open Cup
Javier Morales May 11, 2014 Houston Dynamo W 5–2 MLS
Álvaro Saborío July 7, 2012 Portland Timbers W 3–0
September 29, 2012 Chivas USA W 4–0
July 27, 2013 New York Red Bulls L 3–4

Player honors

League honors

MLS All-Star appearances

Players in bold currently play for Real Salt Lake.

AppearancesPlayerNationYears
8Kyle Beckerman2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016
7Nick Rimando2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2019
3Jamison Olave2010, 2011, 2012
2Tony Beltran2013, 2015
Javier Morales2009, 2010
Eddie Pope2005, 2007
1Fabián Espíndola2012
Will Johnson2009

Player awards

The following awards were given to Real Salt Lake players by Major League Soccer in the season indicated:

SeasonAwardPlayer(s)
2006MLS Best XI Jeff Cunningham
MLS Golden Boot
2009MLS Cup Most Valuable Player Nick Rimando
2010MLS Best XI Nat Borchers, Jámison Olave, Javier Morales
MLS Defender of the Year Jámison Olave
MLS Newcomer of the Year Álvaro Saborío
2011MLS Best XI Jámison Olave
2018MLS Rookie of the Year Corey Baird

Team honors
  • The annual season-ending award winners are decided based on voting by RSL players.[80]
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