Real Salt Lake at risk of collapse as FC Dallas returns to favorite ground | OneFootball

If Real Salt Lake is going to take it to the next level in 2025, the moment is now. America First Field is set for a matchup that, at first glance, might look like any other date on the MLS calendar, but underneath the turf, there's substance. A symbolic clash that can disrupt the Western Conference. On one hand, RSL trying to find its footing and stay within reach of the top. On the other side, an FC Dallas that refuses to play the role of stereotypical visitor and is determined to demonstrate its abilities away from home. Once more.

Home form usually counts for something. But versus Dallas? Not really. RSL has just 13 wins in 28 matches against the Texans at their own home stadium over the past 20 years. And recent history burns even more: losses in 2022 and 2023 at America First Field. a rarity for a club that tends to command respect in its own house. What was once a certainty has become a question mark. The crowd does its part, but the visitor arrives unafraid. Whether that will be different this time, we'll have to wait and see. But it's no longer something you can assume.

Houston win rekindles the fire

After a bitter and ugly loss in the opener with San Jose and an eventful run that had questions being asked, RSL responded. And they did it with style. Beating Houston away from home and snapping a winless skid that extended back to 2018, that says a lot. Even more so considering how it transpired: a lightning-fast strike by Diogo Gonçalves just 43 seconds in, and another by Diego Luna, who — mask of f— used his head, literally, to put RSL ahead at halftime. It was the kind of game that takes courage, smarts, and composure. Three things this team will need to continue to show if it's going to stay on track. Having a direct impact on the attack

It is not all bad news for RSL, though. Two of their most vital offensive assets, Diego Luna and Dominik Marczuk, are off on international duty. And yes, it hurts. Their absence is noticeable.

With those players unavailable, it's time for names like Emeka Eneli and Diogo Gonçalves to step up to the plate. Diogo already proved he can be a game-changer, scoring one of the fastest goals in club history last outing. Eneli has been solid so far and now has a golden chance to make his case. In an MLS season as long as this one, it's in stretches like this that teams find out who they can really count on.

FC Dallas sneaks in under the radar, but with risky form

For their part, FC Dallas have had a tricky beginning, losing back-to-back home games.  Away from home, they've been more penetrative, though. They've picked up four points in two away games in 2025, and they've been adopting more of a direct, counter-attacking style on their travels. It's ugly on paper, but when it clicks, it's tough to cope with. And this Saturday, they'll have a new face in goal: 23-year-old Michael Collodi, a hometown kid with good time at North Texas SC, steps in with Paes away on national team duty. It's a debut, it's pressure, it's a lot. But it's also a fantastic chance to prove he's up to it. Recent history provides the visitor with confidence Dallas has every reason to feel at home in Sandy.

They have won there in 2022 and 2023, losing only last season.

In spite of home issues, they have been solid on the road. And with RSL missing some key players now, the window of opportunity opens up once again. If they stick to the game plan that has worked before, they absolutely can make it tough on the home side. It is the kind of game where small things will decide it all.