Real Salt Lake youngsters lead the way to shock Seattle Sounders

Teenagers Aiden Hezarkhani and Ariath Piol score in 2-1 victory over MLS powerhouse

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

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Facing a slew of injuries, Real Salt Lake head coach Pablo Mastroeni started three players aged 18 or younger in Matchday 2's Walmart Saturday Showdown against Seattle Sounders FC. The move paid off, as 18-year-old Aiden Hezarkhani bagged the opening goal, and 21-year-old Ariath Piol scored the winner in a surprise 2-1 victory over the visitors.

Why it matters

Real Salt Lake's victory over the Seattle Sounders, one of the most experienced and talented teams in MLS, showcases the potential of the club's young talent and their ability to step up when needed. This result could be a turning point for RSL as they look to build on this performance and integrate their new Designated Player signing.

The details

With several key players out injured, including Diego Luna, Victor Olatunji, DeAndre Yedlin, Emeka Eneli and Juan Jose Arias, Mastroeni turned to his academy products to fill the void. Hezarkhani and Piol rose to the occasion, with Hezarkhani scoring the opening goal and Piol netting the winner in the 2-1 victory.

  • The match took place on March 1, 2026 as part of the Walmart Saturday Showdown.
  • Hezarkhani scored his first MLS goal in the match.

The players

Pablo Mastroeni

The head coach of Real Salt Lake who started three players aged 18 or younger in the match against the Seattle Sounders.

Aiden Hezarkhani

An 18-year-old Real Salt Lake player who scored the opening goal in the 2-1 victory over the Seattle Sounders.

Ariath Piol

A 21-year-old Real Salt Lake player who scored the winning goal in the 2-1 victory over the Seattle Sounders.

Morgan Guilavogui

Real Salt Lake's new Designated Player forward who arrived from French Ligue 1 side RC Lens earlier this month and made his debut as a substitute in the match.

Diego Luna

A Real Salt Lake player who was out injured for the match against the Seattle Sounders.

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What they’re saying

“We got, you know, a couple of teenagers out there, and you look across the field and you have probably one of the most experienced, most quality groups in the league.”

— Pablo Mastroeni, Real Salt Lake head coach (mlssoccer.com)

“He's had an unbelievable preseason with us. ...I couldn't be happier for him. He's a fantastic individual. He's gonna be a top, top player in this league. And I think today opening his account is really huge, not only for himself, but also the group.”

— Pablo Mastroeni, Real Salt Lake head coach (mlssoccer.com)

“The group is full of belief. We understand what our roles are, but more importantly, we believe that we're a great team and we just got to go out and express ourselves.”

— Pablo Mastroeni, Real Salt Lake head coach (mlssoccer.com)

What’s next

Real Salt Lake will look to build on this victory as they integrate their new Designated Player signing Morgan Guilavogui and get healthier, with key players like Diego Luna and Victor Olatunji expected to return from injury.

The takeaway

Real Salt Lake's surprise victory over the Seattle Sounders, led by their talented young players, showcases the depth and potential of the team's academy system. This result could be a springboard for RSL to establish themselves as a force in MLS, even with key injuries, and prove that they can compete with the league's elite teams.