THE STATE OF SOCCER
REAL SALT LAKE AND UTAH ROYALS SEASON RECAP
Real Salt Lake’ s 2025 MLS season was a grind that still extended the club’ s playoff streak to five straight years. Led by Pablo Mastroeni, the team finished 9th in the Western Conference and 19th overall with a 12 – 17 – 5 record( 38 goals for, 49 against), qualifying for the Wild Card round before bowing out in Portland.
Across MLS, CONCACAF Champions Cup, Leagues Cup and MLS Cup Playoff, the Claret-and-Cobalt logged 40 matches, including a return to continental play earned through their 2024 league form. Results swung, but key Western Conference wins, and a dramatic Decision Day 2 – 2 draw at St. Louis clinched postseason soccer and a 2025 Leagues Cup berth.
Brazilian goalkeeper and captain Rafael Cabral was ever-present, setting a club single-season minutes record, registering nine clean sheets and earning Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player of the Year. Attacking midfielder Diego Luna carried the scoring load, earning the club’ s Golden Boot with 10 goals and seven assists in all competitions. Luna was also named Jordan Guernsey Humanitarian of
the Year and captured MLS’ s Audi Goals Drive Progress Impact Award for his mental-health advocacy and community work.
RSL’ s blend of new arrivals and homegrown talent kept them competitive and laid a strong foundation for 2026.
UTAH ROYALS FC
Utah Royals FC’ s 2025 NWSL campaign was a story of resilience and growth in their second season back in the league. The Club finished 12th with a 6-13-7 record, earning 25 points from 26 matches while proving increasingly difficult to beat down the stretch.
Despite a difficult start to the season, Utah went on an historic eightgame unbeaten run highlighted by statement results such as a 2-1 away win at Providence Park and a 2-0 victory at Bay FC, and book ended by gritty draws at Chicago and against Angel City.
16 WINNING SPIRIT MAGAZINE