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Player Spotlight | Ojeda’s Game-Winner Secures Emotional Comeback at Home

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Real Salt Lake battled back from an early deficit to earn a comeback win - its first of the season reaching points from a losing position, as all eight previous 2025 victories came with RSL scoring first - over the visiting San Jose Earthquakes and former teammate Cristian Arango, in a Pioneer Day celebration match that showcased the grit, depth, and composure Pablo Mastroeni teams usually display.

After conceding early in the second half, the Claret-and-Cobalt responded with a strong come-from-behind performance, highlighted by a forced own goal and a late strike from Braian Ojeda. It was a statement win at home, continuing RSL’s midseason momentum and reinforcing its ability to rise to the occasion under pressure.

Halftime Headlines: Who Owned The Opening Period

18-year-old striker Zavier Gozo wasted no time asserting himself in the opening stanza, registering two shots within the first 14 minutes as RSL started with energy and intent. That early pressure set the tone for a competitive match, and while the breakthrough didn't come right away, it laid the groundwork for a strong second-half response.

Early in the second half, DP Diogo Gonçalves sparked the comeback with a dangerous cross in the 57th minute that forced an own goal from San Jose’s defense, Real Salt Lake’s third such gift of the season after similar moments against Seattle and St. Louis, all coming at home. Gozo’s positioning near the ball helped sow confusion in the box, leading to the equalizer and shifting momentum back in RSL’s favor. The game Saturday marks two goals and an “assist” in the last four games for Gonçalves.

Ojeda Seals Victory With His First Goal of 2025

The Man of the Match was undoubtedly Paraguayan midfield engine Braian Ojeda, who delivered a standout performance and gave the Claret-and-Cobalt the game-winning goal with a composed finish. His influence was felt across the pitch, breaking up plays, distributing with precision, and stepping up when it mattered most.

After missing several weeks while finalizing his U.S. green card, Ojeda returned to the pitch with a statement performance that reminded everyone just how vital he is to the squad. His game-winning goal was the perfect way to mark his comeback, showcasing his composure, timing, and ability to influence matches in key moments. Ojeda’s presence in the midfield brings balance, energy, and a touch of creativity that RSL had been missing.

Coming into the match in the 69th minute, Ojeda wasted no time making an impact on both ends of the field. He quickly found space in the attacking third and began creating chances for the home side. Just twelve minutes later, he found the back of the net, finishing off a perfectly placed ball from midfielder Pablo Ruiz. Ojeda took a touch and fired a bullet of a shot through the goalkeeper’s hands and into the back of the net.

Ojeda’s goal not only capped off a strong individual display but also marked a turning point in the match, energizing the squad and the home crowd alike, ultimately giving Real Salt Lake the victory and 3 points at home.

What’s Next For RSL:

The bounce-back victory - RSL’s 29th, along with 15 draws and just 14 setbacks in games after a loss during the 167-match Pablo Mastroeni era - marks a big moment for the squad following a tough 1-0 loss to FC Cincinnati last Saturday, July 19. Responding with resilience and quality, RSL has regained momentum just in time for a critical stretch of the season, posting five wins in seven games in June and July, earning 16 of a possible 21 points to vault itself from 13th to eighth in the Western Conference playoff table, with 10 MLS regular-season games remaining. The performance not only restored belief but also highlighted the team’s ability to adapt and respond under pressure, something that will no doubt be honed during the upcoming trip of Leagues Cup matches in the upcoming week.

The win serves as a timely confidence boost heading into the upcoming Leagues Cup showdown against Mexican superteamClub América this Wednesday, July 30, at America First Field. Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM MT, and fans can still purchase tickets here.