Real Salt Lake earned its first road win of the 2026 MLS season on Saturday night in Atlanta, defeating Atlanta United 3–2 before 53,862 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium behind standout performances from several RSL Academy products and a milestone first professional goal from Spanish rookie Sergi Solans.
Solans scores first professional goal as RSL attack ignites in Atlanta
Real Salt Lake Head coach Pablo Mastroeni made two changes to his starting lineup from last week’s 2-1 home win over Seattle, inserting Designated Player Morgan Guilavogui and first-year striker Solans into the starting XI, the Claret-and-Cobalt looking to build on momentum from its opening matches.
The changes paid immediate dividends, as Guilavogui recorded his first MLS assist, setting up Solans for the first professional goal of the former UCLA man’s career.
RSL’s youth movement also continued to shine, with homegrown 18-year-olds Aiden Hezarkhani and Zavier Gozo each finding the back of the net to cap a three-goal first half for the visitors.
The offensive outburst marked RSL’s first three-goal half since July 6, 2024, also against Atlanta at home, while the club’s last three-goal first half came on April 20, 2024, in an eventual 4-0 win at Chicago.
Quotable
“It’s hard to articulate, but the feeling in this group is special. When you see how these guys interact away from the field, it’s like a brotherhood,” Mastroeni said. “There’s no guy bigger than the team, and everyone is accountable to each other.”
Immediate impact: RSL’s offseason additions help seal road win
Real Salt Lake came out strong in the second half searching for a fourth goal, with Utah native Griffin Dillon replacing 17-year-old Luca Moisa at halftime to make his club debut, the eighth debutant for RSL this season.
Dillon nearly made it a dream introduction in the 65th minute, forcing a one-handed save from the Atlanta goalkeeper after a dangerous attacking chance.
Atlanta pulled a goal back later in the half, as Emmanuel Latte Lath sent a ball across the face of goal, finding Alexey Miranchuk to cut the deficit to 3–2.
Despite late pressure from the hosts, RSL’s defensive unit, led by Justen Glad, Lukas Engel, Juan Manuel Sanabria and captain Rafael Cabral, held firm to secure the club’s first road victory of the 2026 MLS campaign.
Up Next
Real Salt Lake (2-1-0) returns to the Beehive State for its second home match of the season, hosting Austin FC (1-1-1) at America First Field on Saturday, March 14, at 7:30 p.m. MT.
Game photos
