Real Salt Lake took over the lead in the Western Conference with a 2-1 win at Philadelphia, handing the Union its first defeat of the season.

Much of the attention has been on Chicho Arango (who is second behind Messi with 15 goal contributions), but a big reason for RSL’s success has been 21-year-old Colombian Andrés Gómez, whose goal against Union was his fourth of the 2024 season to go along with three assists.

• What They’re Saying: RSL coach Pablo Mastroeni credited the second-year winger for his unusually quick adaptation to MLS: “Andrés finished the [2023] season in great form, went off with the [Colombian] Olympic team and picked up where he left off.”

Austin FC continues turnaround

AUSTIN, TX – APRIL 27: Austin FC fans celebrate a goal by Diego Rubio (14) during game between the LA Galaxy and Austin FC on April 27, 2024 at Q2 Stadium in Austin, TX. (Photo by John Rivera/Icon Sportswire)

Inter Miami claimed sole possession of first place in the Supporters’ Shield standings when the LA Galaxy lost at Austin FC 2-0.

Offseason acquisitions Diego Rubio (free agent) and Jáder Obrian (Re-Entry Draft) scored for Austin FC, which has the best record in MLS over the last five weeks after starting out the season without a win in its first five games. 

• Crowd Count: The match drew 20,738 fans at Q2 Stadium, marking the 59th consecutive MLS home sellout, the league’s longest active streak.

Top 5: Best record (Last 5 games):
1. Austin FC (4-1-0), 12 points
2. Inter Miami (3-0-2), 11 points
2. NYCFC (3-0-2), 11 points
2. Real Salt Lake (3-0-2), 11 points
5. Vancouver (3-1-1), 10 points
5. Colorado (3-1-1), 10 points
5. Philadelphia (3-1-1), 10 points

Paul Kennedy is the Editor in Chief & General Manager of Soccer America.

Join the Conversation

1 Comment

  1. RSL – without doubt – the most underrated coach and staff in MLS. Started 5 Americans – among the highest in the league – the right side of their defense – younger than 25 – both – RSL Academy products. Justin Glad – Fosforo – has been a mainstay at CB RSL since he was 18. Three of the Americans came up thru their 2nd team – Monarchs. Then they have the 18 y.o. Barajas – who came thru USL Championship Charleston Battery. ID, development and cultivation of talent, alive and well at RSL – then – coach Mastroeni – sets them up to compete. Gotta love this. All the talk about our mini-ManCity Inter, then Philly and LA and LAFC, meanwhile, RSL just keeps coming, relentless, just won’t go away, nose for talent and winning.

Leave a comment