Real Salt Lake returned to MLS action on Wednesday night with an energetic opening at BMO Stadium, but ultimately fell 3-1 to LAFC. The visitors created several early opportunities and looked determined to make an immediate statement following the World Cup break. Diego Luna tested LAFC’s defense in the fifth minute with a left-footed effort that was blocked. Moments later, Morgan Guilavogui struck a powerful shot on target, only for Hugo Lloris to make the save.
Son gives LAFC the early advantage
Despite RSL’s positive start, LAFC took the lead in the 11th minute through Son Heung-Min. The Korean international broke free and calmly finished with a left-footed shot into the bottom corner, putting the home side ahead 1-0. Salt Lake continued to press for an equalizer, with Noel Caliskan and Stijn Spierings both involved in promising attacking sequences. Caliskan’s effort in the 25th minute was blocked before the rebound reached Spierings, whose shot from the right side of the penalty area narrowly missed the target.
LAFC extends its lead before the break
RSL continued to generate chances as Caliskan forced Lloris into two saves in the 36th minute. However, LAFC struck again shortly before halftime to take control of the contest. Denis Bouanga led a transition attack in the 40th minute, with DeAndre Yedlin tracking back for Salt Lake. Bouanga then drove a shot into the left side of the net past goalkeeper Rafael Cabral, doubling LAFC’s advantage heading into the interval.
Cabral keeps RSL in the match
Salt Lake came out of halftime looking to respond, and Cabral delivered an important stop in the 49th minute. Son found space in the center of the box and fired toward goal, but RSL’s veteran goalkeeper was equal to the effort. Guilavogui remained active in attack, curling a shot just wide in the 54th minute before sending another dangerous ball toward goal six minutes later. Lloris was again called upon to deny the visitors as RSL searched for a route back into the game.
Late Engel goal offers a positive note
LAFC added a third goal in the 68th minute after an attack down the left side led to a cross into the middle. Yedlin attempted to cut out the delivery with a sliding intervention, but the ball was deflected into the RSL net for an own goal. The hosts’ 3-0 lead appeared secure, though Salt Lake continued to push forward in the closing stages. Lobjanidze entered the match for Luna in the 78th minute, making his Club debut and quickly contributing to RSL’s late attacking momentum.
Lobjanidze delivered a corner in the 86th minute that found Lukas Engel, who scored to make it 3-1. The finish was Engel’s first goal for Real Salt Lake since joining the Club in January and provided a late reward for the visitors’ persistence. While the result leaves RSL empty-handed, the team’s early attacking intent and late response offered encouraging moments. Salt Lake will now look to regroup and turn its attacking effort into points in its next MLS fixture.