Real Salt Lake Returns Home, Eyes First Goal of 2025 Against Herediano
Real Salt Lake midfielder Emeka Eneli has been on the move non-stop for the past month. From training sessions on both the East and West Coasts to competitive matches in San Jose, Costa Rica, and San Jose, California, his journey has been anything but ordinary. But there’s one place he’s been noticeably absent from—home.
“It’s been a long month since we’ve been back home,” Eneli said on Tuesday morning at America First Field in Sandy, Utah. “To feel the atmosphere here, even without any fans, it felt amazing.” That sense of familiarity and comfort couldn’t have come at a better time. On Wednesday, RSL will finally get the chance to play in front of their supporters for the first time this year, hosting C.S. Herediano in a crucial Concacaf Champions Cup knockout game.
A Scoreless Stalemate Sets the Stage for Redemption
The two teams previously clashed in Costa Rica, where they battled to a 0-0 draw. While RSL held their ground defensively, their attack lacked the finishing touch. Unfortunately, their struggles in front of goal carried into the MLS season opener, where they suffered a humbling 4-0 defeat against the San Jose Earthquakes.
Now, head coach Pablo Mastroeni and his squad are hoping that playing on home soil will change their fortunes. More than just a game, Wednesday night’s clash presents an opportunity for RSL to not only find their first goal of the season but also build some early momentum.
“We’ve seen the group that we had in preseason, and we scored goals in preseason, so that hasn’t been an issue,” Mastroeni said. “But when the chips are on the table, and the first game is a knockout competition, all of a sudden, the expectations go up, and the nerves go up.”
The coach noted that some of the younger players who thrived in preseason were now feeling the pressure of official competition. “They were playing free, but now they realize there’s something on the line, and all of a sudden, they get a little tight.”
Filling the Void: Who Will Step Up for RSL?
One of the biggest challenges for Real Salt Lake this season is replacing their leading scorer from last year, Chicho Arango, who was traded away in the offseason. His departure left a significant gap in the attacking lineup, and so far, no clear replacement has emerged.
To make matters worse, Brazilian forward Elias Manoel—who was acquired in a trade from New York Red Bulls—has refused to report to Salt Lake. Reports suggest that the club is working on a transfer to offload the unhappy striker, leaving RSL in search of other attacking options.
Another new addition, Australian forward Aright Piol, has been dealing with an injury, further complicating the team’s offensive woes. With these key absences, the responsibility falls on a young and relatively inexperienced roster to step up and deliver.
“These are young players that don’t have a lot of experience in this league or in their careers, really,” Mastroeni said. “So if your expectations are that they’re going to go out there and kill it on day one, you’re going to be disappointed.”
Instead, the coach emphasized patience, development, and chemistry-building. “My expectation is that they continue to improve. They’re very good players who can score and create. But it’s going to take a little bit of time to get that chemistry right.”
Positive Signs Despite Early Struggles
Despite the 4-0 loss to San Jose, Mastroeni saw encouraging signs in his team’s play. He noted that RSL created more scoring chances in that game than they did against Herediano, which is a step in the right direction.
“Now it’s just about burying it,” he said.
As the team looks ahead to Wednesday night’s match, the focus is clear: stay composed, take advantage of scoring opportunities, and let the home crowd provide an extra boost. Mastroeni is confident that playing at America First Field will allow his squad to express themselves and play with more confidence.
“This is a great opportunity for these guys at home to really be able to express themselves right away,” he said.
The Home Advantage
RSL fans have been waiting patiently to see their team in action, and Wednesday night will finally provide that chance. Playing at home brings a different energy, and the players know that their supporters will be ready to cheer them on.
While the season opener was a tough pill to swallow, this matchup against Herediano offers a fresh start. The stakes are high, and a win would not only boost morale but also push RSL further in the Concacaf Champions Cup.
The big question remains: who will step up and be the difference-maker? Whether it’s a veteran leader or a young player seizing the moment, RSL needs someone to take charge in front of goal.
How to Watch RSL vs. C.S. Herediano
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Kickoff: Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. MT
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Location: America First Field
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Streaming: Fox Sports 2, Vix+, and CONCACAF YouTube
One thing is for sure—after a long road stretch, Real Salt Lake is finally home, and they’re hungry for a statement win. It’s time for them to put the pieces together, find the back of the net, and give their fans something to celebrate.
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