Football Season Guide

RSL had the 3rd weakest attack in the entire MLS in 2025. Only Austin and Toronto scored a goal less than Salt Lake’s 38 goals. Yet they found a way to steal the last play-in spot out West. This didn’t mean much. In another toothless showing in the play-in lost 1-3 in Portland and the tough season ended early. The lack of a clear main striker proved costly last season. Tested 7 different players in the CF role but nobody impressed. It seems the experiments in attack will continue in 2026. Parted ways with 4 of the strikers that failed to impress. Haven’t added new ones so it seems summer signing Olatunji will have to start most games going forward. With not very good cover options he must produce or RSL will struggle again. Omitted main playmaker Diogo and released multiple others to open room for the signing of a new Marquee winger. Morgan Guilavogui will complement the other star winger Diego Luna well, or at least this is the plan. This dual threat on the flanks might work and create more chances. The big question remains will there be a reliable finisher inside the box to capitalise. The one area that looked solid last season was the defence. Lost main starter Vera but even without him the depth in defence is good. Experienced Dutch CM Stijn Spierings arrived from Denmark. He should be starting a lot. His ability to help defensively and distribute the ball is valued. Considering the main focus of new recruits was for the flanks RSL are expected to overload both wide areas and try to focus most of their attacking efforts there.