Real Salt Lake shocks San Diego with stunning away win and major milestone | OneFootball

Real Salt Lake needed a response after two games without a victory, and they picked the right moment at Snapdragon Stadium. In a solid performance, the team beat San Diego FC 3-1, avenging an early-season loss and closing April on a winning note more than three points better. The team not only beat a direct rival but also handed San Diego FC their inaugural home loss, proving that Claret-and-Cobalt has a lot to offer in 2025.

The match, which marked Pablo Mastroeni’s 100th career win as head coach across Colorado and Utah, helped boost the morale of a squad that had been struggling with consistency. Even after facing an early setback when Brayan Vera had to leave the field following a violent collision with Rafael Cabral, Real Salt Lake found the strength to control the match during key moments and secure a deserved result.

Diego Luna shines and changes the course of the game

The instant Diego Luna entered for the first time in the attacking third, San Diego's loyal fans instantly realized they were in for a long battle. Luna took advantage of an opposition turnover in the opposition half, went at pace, cut in on his right foot, and played a nice shot into the top right corner to put Real Salt Lake ahead.

The goal not only placed the visitors in the lead — it completely shifted the game's momentum. San Diego, who had been dominating up to that point, had their rhythm destroyed by Luna's touch of brilliance.

San Diego forces an equalizer before halftime

The equalizer came just at the right time. During stoppage time at halftime, San Diego capitalized on a breakthrough opportunity. After a foul by Alex Katranis, Chucky Lozano moved forward and pounded a hard shot into the lower left corner behind a defender-less Rafael Cabral. The score put new life in the home team, but Real Salt Lake seemed determined not to be swayed by precedent.

Luna steps up again

Immediately after the halftime break, Real Salt Lake did not waste any time getting back in charge. In the 54th minute, after the VAR indicated a handball inside San Diego's box, Diego Luna was given the duty of attempting the penalty kick. Undaunted and confident, he chipped the keeper to the wrong side and sent the ball into the bottom left corner, scoring his second of the game and fifth on the season.

Luna's second goal not only restored Real Salt Lake's lead but also reminded everyone of his position among the team's better players this season.

Real Salt Lake wasn't complete. A 66th-minute cleared cross fell at Sam Junqua's feet. Junqua took the ball, ready to shoot, and hit a firm, low drive from outside the box that found the bottom right corner, doubling the advantage to 3-1.

Breakthrough performance of the season

One of the other good things about the win was that Real Salt Lake had scored three goals in a game for the first time this season. The team had not done so since September, having gone 17 games combined across all competitions without scoring three goals.