Real Salt Lake fell at MLS leaders Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2-1 on the B.C. Place turf in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Saturday night, with only a late penalty kick conversion from starlet Diego Luna able to salvage stoppage-time hope for the visitors.

Twenty minutes into the first half, Vancouver took advantage of an RSL corner kick, with winger Jayden Nelson counterattacking quickly and navigating around the defense to score the game’s opener. Unable to capitalize offensively, Real Salt Lake entered the locker room down by one at the half.

Heading into the second half, Mastroeni made one substitution, opting for the recently-acquired veteran striker from Sporting KC, William Agada, in hopes of introducing dangerous new goal-scoring opportunities.

Midway through the second half, the Whitecaps were awarded a penalty kick, with ‘keeper Rafael Cabral adjudged to have fouled an attacker in the box, despite the ball glancing off his outstretched hands. The Brazilian reached across his body and stopped the PK in the 68th minute, keeping RSL within a goal and providing stability at the back with clutch saves and unwavering composure under pressure.

Unfortunately, Vancouver was able to convert a corner kick into a goal just shortly after, putting the Claret-and-Cobalt down by two. While Real Salt Lake was able to create tangible goal scoring opportunities, it was unable to capitalize.

Midfielder Diego Luna was able to step up to the spot and bury his sixth goal of the season, breathing some life into the visitors with just over 3 minutes left in extra time.

RSL (4-7-0, 12 points, 11th West) is on the road for a third straight week next Saturday, traveling to take on FC Dallas. Kickoff is set for 6:30 PM MT and will stream on Apple TV with the MLS season pass.

Utah Royals lose at home to North Carolina

Utah Royals FC  fell 2-0 to the North Carolina Courage at America First Field in Sandy on Saturday night.

The defeat was the second consecutive loss for the Royals, who remain 13th in the league standings.

The away team found the first goal of the night midway through the first half with a well-worked, team goal, finished by Ashley Sanchez.

The team later found their second goal of the night at the 43rd minute after a fumble play in the Royals back line allowed them to attempt a cross in the box which was deflected by DF Kate Del Fava and put into the back of the net.

Utah Royals FC (1-5-1, 4 pts.) will look to recover their footing on their visit to Los Angeles on Friday, May 9 when they take on Angel City FC. Kickoff is set for 8:30 PM MT.

Utah Warriors see win streak end at Old Glory DC

Utah had been on a role, finding ways to win four straight. But Old Glory DC was having none of it.

The Warriors found themselves down 20-0 at half at Maryland Soccerplex in Boyds, Maryland, on Sunday and this time couldn’t manage a big rally, losing 28-12 to Old Glory DC.

Utah got late tries from Miah Noaese and Fred Apulu, but it wasn’t enough to dig out of the hole.

The Warriors now get eight days off before hosting Seattle at Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman on May 12. That game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. MT.