Real Salt Lake stunned Club América (in Club América vs Real Salt Lake match) with a dramatic 3–1 penalty shootout victory following a 2–2 draw at America First Field. Diego Luna and RSL delivered in a tense Leagues Cup group opener. Catch stats, tactical breakdown, watch info & what it means for both clubs.
🏟 Club América vs Real Salt Lake: Draw and Shootout
On July 30, 2025, Real Salt Lake faced Club América in their 2025 Leagues Cup opener at America First Field in Sandy, Utah. After a back-and-forth 2‑2 draw during 90 minutes goals by Diego Luna (early RSL lead) and Brian Rodríguez (Level 1–1), plus William Agada and Érick Sánchez the match was decided on penalties. RSL won 3–1 in the shootout, earning a precious group stage victory over the Liga MX powerhouse.
🌟 Player Spotlight: Diego Luna’s Moment
- Diego Luna, RSL’s USMNT forward, opened scoring with a clinical finish in the 16th minute.
- After Rodríguez equalized, William Agada restored Club América’s lead just before halftime.
- In stoppage time, Érick Sánchez rescued RSL, tapping home with a header in the 90+7’.
Luna also converted RSL’s first spot kick in the shootout, showcasing his leadership on both ends.
📊 Tactical & Stat Overview
- Possession was relatively balanced: RSL had 52.2%, América 47.8%.
- RSL edged in shots (11 vs. 6) reflecting a disciplined away strategy.
- Shootout key saves came from Rafael Cabral, who thwarted multiple América attempts to secure the title-deciding moments.
🧭 Stakes & Club Momentum
- This was only the second ever meeting between these two, first occurring in the 2009 Xango Cup when RSL prevailed.
- Real Salt Lake enters with momentum just one loss in their last seven matches and strong home form under Pablo Mastroeni. Meanwhile, Club América seeks to overcome a poor streak on the road and a slow Liga MX return under coach André Jardine.
“This guys good!” – @MaxBretosSports
Rafael Cabral’s PK heroics help @realsaltlake defeat Club America in their #LeaguesCup2025 opener. 🚨 pic.twitter.com/Lfrp1TkXXW
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 31, 2025
📺 Coverage & How to Watch
- The match aired live on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV, with streaming available on FuboTV, FS1, and UniMás.
- Commentary was offered via minute by minute coverage on Diario AS and other major outlets.
🧐 What the Result Means
- RSL earns first-mover advantage in a tight group, plus a confidence boost at home.
- América, despite being dominant historically, must bounce back in Game 2 especially after missing the decisive kick in penalties and failing to clinch a late match winner.
This opening result sets the tone as both teams vie for Leagues Cup knockout qualification and a CONCACAF Champions Cup spot.