Real Salt Lake defeats Seattle Sounders 2-1 in home opener

Young players Aiden Hezarkhani and Ariath Piol score, veteran goalkeeper Rafael Cabral makes 8 saves

Mar. 3, 2026 at 2:55am

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Real Salt Lake won its home opener 2-1 over the Seattle Sounders on Saturday night in Sandy, Utah. Young players Aiden Hezarkhani and Ariath Piol scored for RSL, while veteran goalkeeper Rafael Cabral made 8 saves, including a crucial stop in stoppage time to preserve the victory. Cristian Roldan scored the lone goal for the Sounders.

Why it matters

This was an important early-season matchup between two Western Conference rivals. Real Salt Lake has historically dominated the Sounders at home, and this win continues that trend. The performance of RSL's young players and veteran goalkeeper were key factors in the victory.

The details

Hezarkhani opened the scoring for RSL in the 23rd minute with a left-footed half-volley, and Piol doubled the lead in the 47th minute with a tap-in. Roldan pulled one back for Seattle in the 62nd minute, but Cabral made several key saves, including a stop on Snyder Brunell's late volley, to preserve the win for RSL.

  • The match was played on Saturday, March 1, 2026.
  • Hezarkhani scored in the 23rd minute.
  • Piol scored in the 47th minute.
  • Roldan scored in the 62nd minute.
  • Cabral made his crucial late save in the 9th minute of second-half stoppage time.

The players

Aiden Hezarkhani

A young player for Real Salt Lake who scored the opening goal in the 23rd minute.

Ariath Piol

A young player for Real Salt Lake who scored the second goal in the 47th minute.

Rafael Cabral

The veteran goalkeeper for Real Salt Lake who made 8 saves, including a crucial late stop, to preserve the win.

Cristian Roldan

The Seattle Sounders player who scored his team's lone goal in the 62nd minute.

Snyder Brunell

The Seattle Sounders player whose late volley was saved by Cabral in stoppage time.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

This game showcased the promising young talent on Real Salt Lake's roster, as well as the veteran leadership and goalkeeping of Rafael Cabral, who made several crucial saves to preserve the victory. The win also continued RSL's home dominance over the Seattle Sounders, an important early-season result for both teams in the competitive Western Conference.