In an impressive performance during Week 6 of the MLS, Real Salt Lake secured a convincing 3-1 win against Sporting Kansas City at their home ground, America First Field. The hosts opened the scoring early with a goal from Diego Luna, who found the net just 4 minutes into the match. The second half saw Real Salt Lake double their lead when Sergi Solans scored in the 54th minute.
Sporting Kansas City managed to pull one back with a fine strike from Dejan Joveljic at the 58-minute mark, but the visitors’ efforts fell short. Real Salt Lake sealed their victory with another goal from Zavier Gozo, who scored in the 81st minute.
The standout player of the match was undoubtedly Sergi Solans, who not only scored a goal but also attempted 5 shots on target. Zavier Gozo also had a noteworthy game, contributing with a goal and 4 shots.
Real Salt Lake’s head coach, Pablo Mastroeni, deployed a 3-4-3 formation, featuring Rafael Cabral in goal, while the defensive line included Philip Quinton, Justen Glad, and Lukas Ahlefeld Engel. The midfield was comprised of Zavier Gozo, Noel Caliskan, Stijn Spierings, and Alexandros Katranis, while the attacking trio consisted of Diego Luna, Sergi Solans, and Morgan Guilavogui.
On the other side, Sporting Kansas City’s coach Raphael Wicky fielded a 4-3-3 formation with John Pulskamp in goal. The defensive unit featured Ian James, Jansen Miller, Ethan Bartlow, and Justin Reynolds. The midfield trio included Lasse Berg, Manu García, and Jake Davis, with Calvin Harris, Dejan Joveljic, and Magomed Suleymanov leading the attack.
The match referee was Timothy Ford.
Looking ahead, Real Salt Lake will next face Seattle Sounders away from home, while Sporting Kansas City will host San José Earthquakes.
Substitutions for Real Salt Lake
70’ – Sergi Solans off for Samuel Junqua
71’ – Alexandros Katranis off for Victor Olatunji
83’ – Stijn Spierings and Diego Luna off for Dominik Marczuk and Griffin Dillon
91’ – Zavier Gozo off for Jesús Barea
Yellow Card for Real Salt Lake:
42’ – Morgan Guilavogui (Unsporting behavior)
Substitutions for Sporting Kansas City
63’ – Justin Reynolds off for Jacob Bartlett and Ian James off for Zorhan Bassong
73’ – Calvin Harris off for Stephen Afrifa