Now, RSL turns its focus west, aiming to regroup and prove its early-season success remains intact. In this edition of Storylines we will explore RSL’s response following Wednesday’s result, key contributors driving the squad, and the challenge that awaits against a resilient Galaxy side.
RSL Looks to Respond on the Road
Real Salt Lake enters Sunday’s matchup coming off its first home loss of the 2026 campaign, falling 0-2 to Miami at America First Field. The result also marked the end of a six-game unbeaten run, shifting the team’s focus toward a quick turnaround and a strong response on the road.
Sunday’s match will be RSL’s third game in eight days, closing out a demanding stretch that has tested both depth and resilience. Despite the midweek setback, the Claret-and-Cobalt have shown strong form throughout the early season and will look to carry that momentum to Southern California.
Midfielder Diego Luna continues to be a driving force in the attack since returning from injury, making an immediate impact. The playmaker had scored early in consecutive matches prior to Wednesday’s match, finding the back of the net in the fifth minute against San Diego and the fourth minute against Sporting Kansas City the game prior, setting the tone for RSL’s attack.
In goal, Captain Rafael Cabral has delivered crucial performances, coming up with key saves in recent matches. Against San Diego, Cabral preserved RSL’s lead late with a one-handed stop, while his efforts against Miami included a critical one-on-one save against iconic MF Lionel Messi to keep the match within reach.
Rookie forward Sergi Solans has also emerged as a standout this season, tallying five goals, including his first career MLS brace against San Diego. His ability to finish chances and create opportunities has added another dimension to RSL’s attack.
Additional contributions from players such as 19-year-old homegrown Zavier Gozo and forward Morgan Guilavogui have further strengthened the squad. Gozo has been active in the attack, generating chances and testing opposing defenses, while Guilavogui scored his first MLS goal against San Diego and four season assists so far in 2026, continuing to generate opportunities for those around him. Their contributions highlight the depth and attacking chemistry that has fueled RSL’s strong start to the season.
A Longstanding Rivalry: RSL v. LA Galaxy
Real Salt Lake and LA Galaxy share a long and storied history, dating back to April 9, 2005, during RSL’s inaugural MLS season. That match saw current President of Soccer Operations Jason Kreis score the first goal in Club history. Perhaps the most memorable meeting between the two sides came on November 22, 2009, when RSL defeated the Galaxy in a penalty shootout to capture its first MLS Cup trophy.
Across 53 all-time regular season league games, RSL has recorded 18 wins, 22 losses, and 13 draws against its Western Conference rivals. Last year, the Claret-and-Cobalt earned a 2-0 victory over the Galaxy on April 5, 2025, where Luna recorded a brace, scoring two goals in a five-minute span during the first half. In the return match in Carson, Calif. - incidentally, the venue where RSL has won the most road MLS games in its history - the Galaxy won 2-0 last May 31 for its first win of 2025.
Galaxy Present a Resilient Challenge
The Galaxy enter Sunday’s match also navigating a congested schedule, coming off a 2-1 loss to the Columbus Crew on Wednesday and a 2-2 draw against FC Dallas the previous weekend, where LA rallied from a two-goal deficit.
Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney, who led the team to the MLS Cup title in 2024, has built a squad capable of applying consistent attacking pressure while remaining resilient in difficult moments. Forward João Klauss leads the team with five goals this season, posing a significant threat to the opposing defense. In the midfield, designated player and 2023/24 MLS All-star Riqui Puig typically dictates tempo and creates opportunities, not yet back this season after tearing his ACL in the Western Conference final against the Seattle Sounders November 30, 2024. Veteran Marco Reus also bolsters the Galaxy’s offense, continuing to contribute with key passes, notching three assists.
The Galaxy’s ability to fight back, as demonstrated in their comeback against Dallas, underscores the importance of maintaining focus for the full 90 minutes. For RSL, a complete and disciplined performance will be essential.
Taking on the Galaxy
As Real Salt Lake looks to bounce back, execution will be key. Scoring early, maintaining defense organization, and capitalizing on scoring opportunities will all play a crucial role in determining the outcome. If the Claret-and-Cobalt can re-establish their attacking rhythm while remaining composed defensively, RSL has a strong opportunity to leave Los Angeles with three points and secure its position as a contender in the Western Conference.
The Western Conference matchup is set to kickoff at 5:00 p.m. MT on Sunday, April 26, at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. Fans can catch the match exclusively on AppleTV.
