Real Salt Lake continued their impressive home dominance over the Seattle Sounders with a hard-fought 2-1 victory on February 28, 2026, at America First Field in Sandy, Utah. The win marked RSL’s home opener of the 2026 MLS regular season and extended their remarkable record against Seattle in Utah to 14-1-4 all-time.
Despite entering the match with both teams at 1-1-0 after their opening fixtures, Real Salt Lake showcased resilience and youthful energy, overcoming a depleted squad due to injuries by leaning on emerging talents.
The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when 18-year-old Aiden Hezarkhani netted his first career MLS goal. New signing Juan Manuel Sanabria (making his league debut for RSL) delivered a precise cross to the back post, assisted further by Luca Moisa, allowing Hezarkhani to hammer a left-footed one-timer past Sounders goalkeeper Andrew Thomas. The strike gave RSL a 1-0 lead against the run of play and ignited the home crowd.
Real Salt Lake doubled their advantage just two minutes into the second half. Ariath Piol capitalized on a swift move, finishing clinically after clever interplay involving 18-year-old Zavier Gozo—who outpaced the defense—and defender Philip Quinton. Piol’s goal made it 2-0, putting the hosts firmly in control.
Seattle refused to go quietly. In the 62nd minute, captain Cristian Roldan pulled one back with a well-directed header from a corner kick delivered by Albert Rusnák. The goal, Roldan’s first of the 2026 season, halved the deficit and gave the Sounders hope for a comeback. However, despite pushing forward, Seattle couldn’t find an equalizer, with RSL goalkeeper Rafael Cabral standing tall throughout. Cabral made 8 crucial saves to preserve the victory, frustrating Seattle’s attacks and ensuring the three points stayed in Utah.
The result highlighted Real Salt Lake’s fortress-like home form against the Sounders—Seattle hasn’t secured a regular-season MLS win in Sandy since 2011, and their last triumph in the state came in a 2016 U.S. Open Cup match.
For RSL (now 2-1-0), the win provided a strong start to their home schedule and boosted confidence in their young core. Hezarkhani’s milestone moment and Piol’s timely finish underscored the depth emerging from the club’s academy and recruitment.
Seattle (1-2-0) will look to regroup after a frustrating road defeat, with their attack showing promise but defensive lapses proving costly once again in hostile territory.
This Western Conference clash served as an early reminder of Real Salt Lake’s historical edge in this matchup and the challenges visiting teams face at America First Field.
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