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Real Salt Lake Team History

Real Salt Lake
Real Salt Lake Primary Logo
Real Salt Lake Alternate Logo
Real Salt Lake Wordmark Logo
Real Salt Lake Team Merch

Established
2004

City
Salt Lake City

League History
2005 – Present / Major League Soccer

Team History
2005 – Present / Real Salt Lake

Nickname
Real Salt Lake – Real Salt Lake has been a staple of Major League Soccer since 2005, and its nickname is one that many fans have come to recognize. But where did the name "Real" come from?

The answer lies in the Spanish soccer club Real Madrid, founded in 1902. The original owner of Real Salt Lake chose this name as an homage to his favorite team. Since then, it has become a symbol of RSL's commitment to excellence on and off the field—much like its namesake club from Spain.

In addition to honoring Real Madrid, there are several other reasons why “Real” was chosen as part of RSL's moniker. First and foremost is that it reflects Utah's proud heritage; much like how some states use nicknames such as "The Beehive State," “The Treasure State," or "The Silver State," using “Real” pays tribute both locally and internationally by showing respect for Utah culture while also recognizing its place among global soccer clubs with similar namesakes (such as Paris Saint-Germain). Additionally, combined with 'Salt Lake,' it creates an image of strength through unity - two powerful forces coming together under one banner: something all sports fans can appreciate!

Overall, whether you're cheering on RSL at Rio Tinto Stadium or tuning into matches around the world via television broadcasts or streaming services – know that every time you hear their official nickname being shouted out loud during games…you're celebrating more than just winning goals - but rather decades worth of history between two iconic teams!

Championship
MLS Cups 1
2009

Stadium
2008 - Present / Rio Tinto Stadium
2005 - 2008 / Rice-Eccles Stadium

Owner
2012 - Present / Dell Loy Hansen
20014 - 2012 / Dave Checketts

  • 2005
  • 2009
  • 2010
  • 2011
  • 2013
  • 2021
  • Real Salt Lake 2005

    Real Salt Lake Team Formation

    Real Salt Lake became the twelfth MLS franchise when Major League Soccer awarded an expansion franchise on July 14, 2004, to SCP Worldwide, headed by Dave Checketts. Jason Kreis became the first player in RSL history, coming in a trade from the Dallas Burn. Other notable players that played in RSL’s early years include veterans Clint Mathis, Eddie Pope, and ...
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  • Real Salt Lake MLS Champs 2009

    2009 MLS Champs

    MLS Cup 2009 was the 14th edition of the MLS Cup, the championship match of Major League Soccer (MLS). The match took place on November 22, 2009, at Qwest Field in Seattle, Washington, and was contested between the Los Angeles Galaxy and Real Salt Lake. Real Salt Lake won the match 5–4 in a penalty shootout following a 1–1 draw. ...
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  • Real Salt Lake final CONCACAF Champions League 2010

    Real Salt Lake reached the final of the CONCACAF Champions League

    In 2010: The club had its best regular season ever, finishing second in the Western Conference and setting a league record with a 20-game unbeaten streak. The club also reached the final of the 2010–11 CONCACAF Champions League, but lost to Monterrey of Mexico 3–2 on aggregate2
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  • Real Salt Lake playoffs 2011

    Real Salt Lake Club qualified for the playoffs for the third consecutive year

    In 2011: The club had another strong season, finishing third in the Western Conference and qualifying for the playoffs for the third consecutive year. However, they lost to Seattle Sounders FC in the conference semifinals
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  • Jason Kreis

    Real Salt Lake Club Hired Jason Kreis as the new head coach

    In 2013: The club underwent a major overhaul, hiring Jason Kreis as the new head coach and signing several new players. After a slow start, the club went on a 15-game unbeaten run and finished first in the Western Conference. The club also reached its second MLS Cup final, but lost to Sporting Kansas City 7–6 on penalties after a ...
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  • RSL Finishes 2021 at Western Conference Final

    RSL Finishes 2021 at Western Conference Final

    In 2021: Real Salt Lake saw its historic Audi 2021 MLS Cup Playoff run come to an end in the Western Conference Final, falling 2-0 at Providence Park to the Portland Timbers, finishing the year just one game shy of the MLS Cup Final. The club had a roller-coaster season, dealing with injuries, COVID-19 cases and inconsistent form. The club finished ...
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Who is the greatest Real Salt Lake?
  • Add your greatest player

To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.

History of the RSL

Real Salt Lake is a professional soccer team based in Utah that competes in Major League Soccer (MLS). Since its inception, the club has established itself as one of the top teams in MLS and continues to be a force to be reckoned with. Founded in 2005, Real Salt Lake quickly became an integral part of the local sports culture and began competing at Rio Tinto Stadium shortly after its formation.

The first few years for RSL were filled with successes on and off the field. The team made it all way to the MLS Cup finals twice during this period but unfortunately lost both times; however, they did manage to win two US Open Cups titles within three years of being founded, which was quite impressive given their short history as a franchise up until then. In 2009, RSL finally broke through by winning their first-ever MLS Cup title against LA Galaxy, thanks mainly due to goalkeeper Nick Rimando’s heroics throughout the playoff run leading up to the final match day, where he kept a clean sheet, thus helping his side lift the coveted trophy home for good!

Rimando's performance wasn't only limited there. However - over the next couple of seasons, he went on become the most decorated player franchise’s history, amassing numerous individual accolades along the way, including four consecutive Goalkeeper Year awards from 2010-2013, which helped propel Real Salt Lake into becoming perennial playoff contenders each year since then making them one most consistent sides league today! Additionally, the club also added another US Open cup title during the 2013 season, giving them a total of three championships so far since joining the competition back in 2005, showing just how successful the venture has been thus far despite some early disappointments along the road towards glory days now enjoyed by supporters alike who continue cheer squad every week no matter what outcome may be – something extraordinary indeed that makes unique amongst rest teams North American soccer landscape!

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Retired Number
9 Jason Kreis
11 Javier Morales

*Blue is this team’s history

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