MLS Match Preview: Sporting Kansas City (5-10-4) vs. Real Salt Lake (5-10-3)

Match Significance

This Sporting KC vs Real Salt Lake MLS 2025 fixture is a pivotal battle between two clubs separated by just one point in the Western Conference standings. Both teams are fighting to stay in playoff contention, and with a long-standing rivalry between them, expect a high-intensity showdown under the lights in Kansas City.

Sporting Kansas City – Team Overview

Current Standing: 12th in Western Conference

Record: 5W-10D-4L (19 points)

Last 5 Matches: L-W-L-L-W

Manager: Kerry Zavagnin (interim)

Key Players: Dejan Joveljić, Erik Thommy, Daniel Sallói

Strengths

Momentum from dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Charlotte FC (goals in 93rd and 96th minutes)

Strong attacking contributions from Joveljić and Thommy

Home-field advantage at Children’s Mercy Park

Concerns

Second-worst defensive record in the West (36 goals conceded in 19 games)

Inconsistent form and late-game collapses

Just 2 wins in last 10 meetings vs RSL

Path to Victory

Sporting KC must press early, stay compact defensively, and capitalize on set pieces. Joveljić’s movement and Thommy’s creativity will be key to unlocking RSL’s backline.

Real Salt Lake – Team Overview

Current Standing: 13th in Western Conference

Record: 5W-3D-10L (18 points)

Last 5 Matches: L-L-D-L-W

Manager: Pablo Mastroeni

Key Players: Pablo Ruiz, Andrés Gómez (departed), Braian Ojeda

Strengths

Snapped 7-game winless streak with 2-0 win over D.C. United last week

Ruiz’s midfield control and set-piece delivery

Historically strong vs Kansas City (19 wins in 48 meetings)

Concerns

Just 18 goals scored in 18 matches—third-worst in MLS

No clean sheets in last 5 away games

Struggles to score multiple goals on the road

Path to Victory

RSL must stay organized defensively, frustrate Kansas City’s attack, and look to strike on the counter. Ruiz’s ability to dictate tempo and deliver from dead-ball situations could be decisive.

Head-to-Head & Historical Context

All-Time MLS Meetings: 48

Sporting KC Wins: 16

Real Salt Lake Wins: 19

Draws: 13

Last Meeting: RSL 4–3 Sporting KC (June 2024 at Children’s Mercy Park)

Recent Trend: RSL unbeaten in 8 of last 10 vs Sporting KC

This rivalry has produced fireworks over the years, including the 2013 MLS Cup Final and multiple playoff clashes. Expect another chapter of drama in this storied series.

Tactical Insight & Prediction

Sporting KC will look to ride the momentum of their midweek comeback, while RSL aim to build on their recent win. Expect a tight, physical contest with both teams vulnerable defensively. If Kansas City can control the midfield and avoid costly errors, they could edge it—but RSL’s counterattack remains a threat.