Real Salt Lake just made things worse, and now it’s do or die | OneFootball

Real Salt Lake and CS Herediano faced each other, but none of them was able to score in their 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup match opener. The result may not be the most entertaining for fans looking forward to a more flowing match, but tactically, it makes sense within the context.

The first game of the season provides more than just the opposition. Rhythm, chemistry, and decision-making are all factors that come about with experience. RSL was good but not incisive enough, something that needs to be corrected in the return match.

Debuts, adjustments, and a team in progress

Pablo Mastroeni’s lineup choice made it clear that the team wasn’t just there to compete, but to make an immediate impact. A full-strength starting XI, new signings stepping up, and a clear game plan were all part of the approach.

Rafael Cabral took over goalkeeping with ease. Injured Justen Glad was substituted by Kobi Henry, and Forster Ajago got his first opportunity to lead the attack. Other big guns like Diogo Gonçalves, Dominik Marczuk, and Emeka Eneli also basked in the limelight.

RSL started out trying to take control. They had possession dominated in the first few minutes, and early chances were fashioned. A dangerous cross, a weak header, and a misplaced shot were signs of what they were trying to do. Effort alone, however, is insufficient.

The home side focused on staying compact. When they did have room, they attempted to play off of it with quick transitions, testing RSL's defense organization.

Details that make a difference

Chances came, and some may have changed the tide of the game. The finest one in the first period came after Marczuk's good pass to Ajago. The striker pushed through the defense, but the goalkeeper dented his effort.

The Alex Katranis injury was a blow in the first half. He was replaced by Sam Junqua, who added to the club's list of debuts.

The second half was dominated by RSL as they stepped up the pace. They managed to get close to netting another goal with Ajago and Marczuk, but the hosts' defense proved solid enough to contain them. The best opportunity of the second half fell the team's way in the 84th minute, as Junqua's close-range header from a perfectly placed set piece by Pablo Ruiz was heroically blocked on the line by a defender and cleared away.

What does this draw mean in practice

A scoreless away draw can be interpreted in two ways. On the positive, the defense held up. RSL has always been able to avoid giving up a goal, which is indicated by their record: seven clean sheets in their past 10 games in this league.

With the aggregate still at zero, any win in the second leg will qualify. Home ground advantage will now play a role. RSL can dictate on its own turf, and the presence of the crowd may be a special ingredient. But that alone won't be enough. The team needs to tighten up its attack to avoid another slow game.

Balancing MLS and Concacaf will be important

At the moment, focus is split between two fronts. The important Concacaf tie is preceded by Real Salt Lake's MLS season opener against San Jose Earthquakes. Another challenge for the team will be this game, as the team needs to come up with solutions in its attacking production.

Having a roster to manage across multiple competitions always involves a well-thought-out plan. For Mastroeni, the test will be balancing defensive solidity with enhanced efficiency in the final third.

The first chapter of this narrative has been penned. The ending will be determined at home.