Domino Effect: Real Salt Lake's MLS Collapse Explained

How Real Salt Lake Went from Title Contenders to Postseason Elimination

During the 2024 regular season, Real Salt Lake emerged as a formidable team in the Western Conference, captivating fans with their fluid attacking play. With players like Andres Gomez, Diego Luna, and Chicho Arango forming a lethal partnership, RSL appeared to be on track for an incredible season, potentially contending for the MLS Supporters' Shield and MLS Cup.

Early Season Success

By early June, Arango was leading the league in scoring, racking up 15 goals, including three braces and two hat-tricks.

• 15 total strikes by June 1
• Comparisons to Carlos Vela's record of 49 goal contributions in 2019

Turbulent Times

However, a major turning point occurred when Arango received a four-game suspension due to a violation of the MLS anti-harassment policy. This absence left a significant gap in the team’s attacking prowess.

Key Players Depart

Alongside Arango's suspension, Luna faced his own setbacks, being left out of the USMNT Olympics roster, which hampered his confidence and performance. Further complicating matters, Gomez was transferred to Saint Etienne for a club-record fee, which marked a significant loss for the squad.

Loss of Young Talent

In addition to Gomez, RSL's promising young star, Fidel Barajas, who had been named the 2023 USL Championship Young Player of the Year, was also sold to Chivas de Guadalajara.

Managerial Changes and New Signings

In the face of adversity, manager Pablo Mastroeni brought in two new players from Europe: Diogo Goncalves and Dominik Marczuk.

• Goncalves dubbed "the most equivalent" to Gomez
• Goncalves stats: 0 assists and 2 goals in 12 appearances
• Marczuk managed 1 goal and 1 assist in 10 matches

Decline in Performance

As the season progressed, Arango struggled, netting just one goal after June 1. Similarly, Luna's efforts were hampered, and his dynamic gameplay diminished following his Olympics exclusion.

Playoff Disappointment

With the team’s stars not performing to expectations, RSL faced an unfortunate early exit from the postseason, bowing out in Round One against Minnesota United after consecutive losses.

Conclusion: From Contenders to Catastrophe

Real Salt Lake's transformation from potential title challengers to postseason disappointments exemplifies the unpredictable nature of sports. Key injuries, departures, and player performance shifts contributed to their undoing, leaving fans to wonder what could have been for a team that started the season with so much promise.

For those following the MLS, this season serves as a reminder of the challenges clubs face and the delicate balance required to maintain success.