RSL’s defense was unable to hold off the attack of Thomas Müller and company, falling in the 2026 MLS season opener 1-0 to the Vancouver Whitecaps in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Saturday.
Young players debut
RSL was missing key players due to injury, including star Diego Luna.
Luca Moisa, 17, and Utah native Zach Booth each made their first MLS appearances and earned their first starts for Real Salt Lake.
Midfielder Aiden Hezarkhani also secured his first career start for RSL, highlighting a lineup that featured five RSL Academy homegrowns, including two Utah-born players.
Quotable
“The three guys that got their starting debuts, Aiden, Luca and Zach had wonderful performances full of grit, full of fight, and there was some really good quality in and amongst their play. So I think this game was about mentality, about going on the road with five or six players that didn’t know they were playing on Thursday but stepping up today and performing extremely, extremely well.” — Head coach Pablo Mastroeni
Game summary
RSL goalkeeper Rafael Cabral and his defenders withstood multiple attacking chances from the Whitecaps to keep the match scoreless heading into halftime.
Vancouver drew first blood in the 57th minute when a cross by Vancouver’s Tate Johnson was deflected onto the feet of Aziel Jackson, who took a one touch shot into the bottom right corner of the net.
Led by veteran Müller and Brian White, the Whitecaps worked through a frustrating first half and were able to hold off the attack of the Claret-and-Cobalt to come away with three points.
Up next
Real Salt Lake will host Seattle in its home opener next Saturday. Vancouver will host C.S. Cartaginés in the second leg.
Game photos
