Wasatch Soccer Sentinel
In what is likely to be Real Salt Lake's firmest test in 2026, Real Salt Lake travels to temperate San Diego to take on one of the only undefeated sides in MLS. RSL is in fine form themselves, having won three consecutive games, while San Diego won their first three and drew their most recent game — a 3-3 draw away to FC Dallas.
However, San Diego are fresh off a two-legged loss against Toluca in Concacaf Champions Cup action, having just lost the most recent result 4-0 away from home. And with red cards issued to the Californians in both legs, is indiscipline a problem, and can RSL potentially bait their opposition into unwise decisions?
On their side, RSL could see some important returns to the lineup. Diego Luna and Victor Olatunji both returned from injury — will they be in line for starts? Further, will Stijin Spierings, who just scored a game-winning goal in a 2-1 home win over Austin, start his first Real Salt Lake match? Or will RSL continue to rely on ex-academy talent with Griffin Dillon?
Absences
The following players are out
- Juan Jose Arias — groin — still out. Will he play for RSL before his loan ends??
- Zach Booth — knee — sustained vs. LAFC 2
- Kobi Henry — adductor — a new injury, not his preseason one. Not a great sign
- Tyler Wolff — shoulder
The following are questionable or probable
- DeAndre Yedlin — hamstring — could be in line for a return, though not likely for a start
- Diego Luna — knee — would not be surprised if he starts and plays 60 minutes
Victor Olatunji (eye) has fully exited the injury report this week.
The following players are out with medium-to-long-term injuries:
- Emeka Eneli — knee — Mastroeni estimated after the World Cup break
- Ari Piol — achilles — tear suffered vs. Seattle, will likely not be back in 2026
Predicted lineup
- GK: Cabral
- CB: Quinton, Glad, Engel
- RWB: Gozo
- LWB: Sanabria
- CM: Dillon, Caliskan
- FW: Guilavogui, Olatunji, Luna
Match details
- Time: Sunday, March 22, 5 p.m. Mountain Daylight
- Location: Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, California
- Stream: Apple TV (no MLS subscription required)
Team form
- Real Salt Lake: LWWW
- San Diego: WWWD
