Real Salt Lake secures final Western Conference playoff spot with win
Real Salt Lake Secures Final Western Conference Playoff Spot With Win Over Los Angeles
Sergi Solans and Zach Booth scored early goals to power Real Salt Lake to a 2–1 Decision Day victory over the Los Angeles Galaxy on Saturday in Sandy, Utah. The win secured the ninth and final postseason berth in the Western Conference for Real Salt Lake, finishing their regular season at 13-15-6.
The outcome marked a stark contrast for the two clubs. While Real Salt Lake punched its ticket to the postseason, the defeat eliminated Los Angeles, which has missed the last two postseasons after winning the World Cup in 2024. The Galaxy finished their campaign with an 11-12-11 record.
Early Goals Build a Two-Goal Lead in Sandy
Real Salt Lake netting two goals within a three-minute span early in the match. Solans opened the scoring in the 10th minute, slotting home his 14th goal of his first season in the league. Noel Caliskan and defender Philip Quinton provided the assists on the play. Nine of Caliskan’s 11 career assists and all three of Quinton’s have come this year.
Just three minutes later, 22-year-old rookie midfielder Zach Booth struck unassisted to double the advantage. The strike marked Booth’s first goal in his 18th appearance and seventh start. That early 2-0 lead gave Real Salt Lake an advantage as the match went on.
Los Angeles Fights Back Through Own Goal
The Galaxy managed to claw back before halftime. In the 40th minute, an own goal by Real Salt Lake defender Luc de Fougerolles—making his seventh league appearance—cut the deficit to 2–1.
Real Salt Lake’s goalkeeper Rafael Cabral finished the match with one save, while Los Angeles goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski turned away six shots.
Upcoming Wild-Card Matchup Against Seattle
With the regular season concluded, Real Salt Lake must quickly turn its focus to the postseason. The club will travel to take on the Seattle Sounders in a Western Conference wild-card matchup. The winner advances to face the top-seeded Vancouver Whitecaps in a best-of-three first-round series.