Real Salt Lake earned the final Western Conference playoff slot on Saturday, defeating the LA Galaxy 2-1 in a decisive Decision Day matchup. The victory, highlighted by early goals from Sergi Solans and rookie midfielder Zach Booth, guarantees the RSL side a wild‑card trip to Seattle to face the Sounders.
Key moments
Solans opened the scoring in the 13th minute, converting a pass from Noel Caliskan and defender Philip Quinton. It marked Solans’ 14th goal of his debut MLS season, with Caliskan contributing nine of his 11 career assists this year and all three of Quinton’s assists also coming in 2026.
Just three minutes later, Booth added his first MLS goal, a solo effort in his 18th appearance and seventh start. The 22‑year‑old’s strike gave RSL a 2-0 lead.
The Galaxy pulled one back in the 40th minute when Real Salt Lake defender Luc de Fougerolles inadvertently redirected the ball into his own net, his seventh MLS appearance.
Goalkeeping and stats
Rafael Cabral recorded a single save for Real Salt Lake, while LA’s JT Marcinkowski made six saves. The win improves RSL’s record to 13‑15‑6, securing the ninth and final postseason berth in the West. The Galaxy fall to 11‑12‑11, missing the playoffs for the second straight year after their 2024 World Cup triumph.
Real Salt Lake will travel to Seattle for a wild‑card showdown with the Sounders. The winner of that game will meet top‑seeded Vancouver Whitecaps in the best‑of‑three first round.
Original reporting: FOX 13 KSTU (Salt Lake County) — read the source article.
