Real Salt Lake endured a difficult loss away from home at Nashville SC, conceding a late, decisive penalty in stoppage time to fall, 2-1.

RSL (3-5-0, 9 points, 11th West MLS) traveled Saturday to Geodis Park in Nashville for just the second time ever, its first visit since 2022.

The first 25 minutes of the game saw RSL take an aggressive approach, pressuring high up the field and circulating the ball effectively in the opponent’s half. The visitors created ample opportunities and made the most of its momentum on and off the ball, while also limiting chances on the defensive end thanks to crucial DF Brayan Vera tackles and a disciplined midfield led by captain Emeka Eneli and MF Braian Ojeda.

In the 12th minute, RSL crowned its flying start as FW Dominik Marczuk put his name on the scoresheet for the first time in the 2025 MLS season. A strong shot by FW Diogo Gonçalves forced a difficult save from the Nashville keeper, but Marczuk arrived on the scene to put away the rebound and give RSL the temporary lead.

It took some time for the home side to get into the match, unable to create many chances in an attack led by former MLS MVP Hany Mukhtar. However, at the 30th minute a corner was awarded to Nashville, who took full advantage of its first big opportunity of the night as DF Daniel Lovitz – fortunate to even be on the field after a VAR review failed to adjudge an ejection in his flying elbow to Marczuk’s head and neck area just minutes prior – finished a header into the back of the net to knot the game at one goal apiece.

For the remainder of the half, the hosts took full control, forcing Real Salt Lake deep in its own half and nearly adding to the scoresheet shortly after their first. RSL keeper GK Rafael Cabral continued his astonishing maiden season with the Claret-and-Cobalt, providing an incredible save just before halftime to keep the score 1-1.

RSL struggled at the start of the second half, unable to string together fluid plays on offense and conceding various near-chances on defense. In the 65th minute, RSL was saved by the woodwork as a long-distance shot from well outside the 18-yard-box hit the frame.

In the 71st minute, RSL had its moment to add to the scoresheet with rookie Jesús Barea getting on the other end of a low Marczuk cross and finishing into the back of the net. However, the goal was called back by VAR as Dominik was judged to be in an offside position prior to putting in the cross, therefore annulling what would have been Barea’s first professional goal.

Vera enjoyed a standout performance on the night, showing grit and determination while helping contain Nashville’s attacking momentum. The Colombian negated multiple goal-scoring chances for Nashville, the most important coming in the 85th minute, bullying a rival attacker off the ball in the RSL box and a sliding tackle only a couple minutes later to block a shot in the 89th.

A strong performance away from home and the possibility of a point was ultimately negated by a penalty in stoppage time, with Mukhtar taken down by Nelson Palacio to give Nashville the 2-1 victory.

Next week, RSL returns home for the lone occasion in a five-game span, hosting Toronto FC. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. MT at America First Field.

– Real Salt Lake sports information

Utah Warriors rugby powers to big road win

The Utah Warriors saved their best for last in scoring a resounding 45-28 win at RFC Los Angeles on Saturday for their fourth road win in as many attempts this season.

After a long delay at the half, the Warriors regrouped and dominated the final 40 minutes of play, outscoring LA 24-7, using an overwhelming maul and kicking game to set the pace.

‍”We have the ability to shut teams out through our forwards, our kicking game and our chasing game,” Utah head coach Greg Cooper said. “We have a good all-around game, and tonight we went to a part of our game that could dominate LA, and it did. I think the important thing is that we aren’t just a one trick pony, but tonight it was definitely the maul we relied on, and it went very well.”‍

The Warriors scored tries in the 50th, 55th and finally the 66th minutes with a penalty kick from D’Angelo Leuila starting things off while allowing just one try from LA.

All of the second half tries for the Warriors came off of effectively-executed lineouts and subsequent mauls with forwards such as Liam Coltman leading the charge, along with standouts like Tonga Kofe, Frank Lochore, Dylan Nel and several others along the forward line.

With the win Utah improves to 5-2 on the season with 26 points in the standings and will next travel again to take on the San Diego Legion on April 19.

– Utah Warriors sports information

Royals stay winless, lose to Portland

Utah Royals FC (0-1-3, 1 pt, 13th in the NWSL) fell in a 1-0 defeat to the Portland Thorns (1-2-1, 5 pts, 5th in the NWSL) at America First Field in Sandy.

Friday night’s loss marks the first loss to Portland since the club’s reinstitution in 2024, as the Royals were previously 2-0-1 against the Thorns.

Portland got on the board first in the 14th minute when Hina Sugita latched onto a through ball played into Utah’s 18-yard box. She dribbled toward the endline before sending a ball across the six-yard box, where Reilyn Turner tapped it in at the back post.

The Royals created a number of chances to equalize the rest of the way but couldn’t get the ball in the back of the net.

Utah Royals FC remains at home for a second consecutive match, facing the Chicago Stars on April 18. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. MT, with a drone show scheduled to follow the final whistle.

– Utah Royals sports information