Real Salt Lake: More Than Just the Lake And Rivers

Real Salt Lake (RSL) is a Major League Soccer (MLS) team that consistently brings passion and excitement to the field. Located near the iconic Great Salt Lake, they’ve built a strong identity within the league.

Let’s explore some fascinating facts about Real Salt Lake (RSL):

1. Unexpected Name: The “Real” in Real Salt Lake is a nod to the famous Spanish team Real Madrid, a club the original owner admired.
2. Rocky Mountain Roots: Founded in 2004, Real Salt Lake represents the state of Utah and its greater metropolitan region.
3. Home Field Advantage: RSL plays its home matches at America First Field (formerly Rio Tinto Stadium), a soccer-specific stadium nestled against the scenic Wasatch Mountains.
4. Believe: The team’s motto “Believe” embodies the resilient spirit of the club and its supporters.
5. 2009 Champions: Real Salt Lake etched their name into MLS history by winning the MLS Cup in 2009 in a thrilling penalty shootout victory.
6. Championship Pedigree: In addition to their MLS Cup, the team has been runners-up in the U.S. Open Cup (2013) and reached the CONCACAF Champions League final in 2011.
7. “The Riot”: America First Field is known for its lively atmosphere, thanks in part to its loud and passionate supporter section called “The Riot.”
8. Developing Stars: The RSL Academy is a renowned youth development system, producing future professional players for the first team and beyond.
9. Sister Act: Real Salt Lake used to share its stadium with its sister team, the Utah Royals FC, of the National Women’s Soccer League.
10. Community Engagement: The RSL Foundation is devoted to community programs focused on health, education, and fields for the youth of Utah.
11. Regional Rivals: Real Salt Lake has a heated rivalry with the Colorado Rapids, known as the “Rocky Mountain Cup.”
12. Claret and Cobalt: The team’s traditional colors are claret-red, cobalt blue, and gold, creating a distinctive visual identity.
13. Crown Symbolism: Their crest features a stylized crown above the team name, a nod to its “Real” moniker.
14. Beehive State Stars: Several notable players have donned the RSL kit, including Kyle Beckerman, Nick Rimando, and Javier Morales.
15. Ambitious Future: With dedicated ownership and an unwavering fanbase, Real Salt Lake looks to continue writing its chapter in MLS history.

Conclusion Real Salt Lake brings pride to the state of Utah with their dynamic presence in Major League Soccer. Their passionate supporters, commitment to developing talent, and the iconic backdrop of their stadium make Real Salt Lake a unique and exciting team to follow.