Major League Soccer (MLS) has seen numerous rivalries emerge over the years, and one of the most exciting matchups has been Real Salt Lake vs. LAFC. With LAFC being a relatively new club, their timeline against Real Salt Lake offers fans a thrilling mix of history, goals, standout performances, and unforgettable moments. Every encounter tells a story—whether it’s dramatic late goals, playoff battles, or heated regular-season matches.
This article explores the Real Salt Lake vs. LAFC timeline, diving deep into their head-to-head history, statistics, key players, memorable matches, and how the rivalry has evolved over the years.
Real Salt Lake vs LAFC matches
Each season adds new excitement as both teams bring energy, goals, and passionate fans to the field. Whether in the regular season or playoffs, their encounters always keep supporters on edge.
Quick Match Timeline Real Salt Lake vs LAFC
| Aspect | Details |
| First Meeting | March 10, 2018 |
| Total Matches Played | 20+ (as of 2025) |
| Real Salt Lake Wins | 6 |
| LAFC Wins | 13 |
| Draws | 2 |
| Most Memorable Match | 2018 MLS Playoffs (RSL win 3-2) |
| Biggest Victory | LAFC 5-1 Real Salt Lake (2019) |
| Top Scorer in Timeline | Carlos Vela (LAFC) |
| Competition | MLS Regular Season & Playoffs |
| Rivalry Nickname | Western Conference Clash |
The Beginning of the Rivalry 2018
Real Salt Lake, though shocked by the heavy defeat, quickly regrouped and waited for its chance to turn the tables. Later that same year, RSL would get its revenge in the 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs, knocking out LAFC in an unforgettable 3-2 win on the road.
This playoff clash became a defining moment in the rivalry, proving that even a new powerhouse like LAFC was not invincible.
Regular Season Battles: 2019–2022
The years following LAFC’s debut saw a string of competitive encounters between the two clubs. LAFC often dominated, especially in their home stadium, Banc of California Stadium (now BMO Stadium), with star striker Carlos Vela leading the charge.
- 2019 Season: LAFC humiliated RSL with another 5-1 win, showcasing their attacking firepower.
- 2020 Season: Despite pandemic disruptions, the teams still clashed with intensity, with LAFC often taking narrow victories.
- 2021 Season: RSL started finding more balance in their gameplay, making matches tighter but still struggling to consistently overcome LAFC.
- 2022 Season: LAFC’s championship run saw them defeat RSL multiple times, with players like Cristian Arango and Vela shining in front of the goal.
These years cemented LAFC’s dominance in the rivalry, though RSL continued to fight back, often giving fans nail-biting matches.
Real Salt Lake vs LAFC matches 2025
The Real Salt Lake vs. LAFC matches in 2025 are among the most anticipated fixtures in Major League Soccer. Both clubs bring unique strengths, with LAFC’s attacking depth led by star players and Real Salt Lake’s resilience creating thrilling contests. Fans eagerly await each clash as goals, drama, and competitive intensity define their rivalry.
In 2025, these matches carry extra weight with playoff implications, growing fanbases, and media coverage. The Real Salt Lake vs. LAFC matches in 2025 promise unforgettable moments.
Memorable Matches in the Timeline
2019—LAFC’s Statement Win: In the regular season of 2019, LAFC destroyed RSL with a 5-1 victory. Carlos Vela’s brilliance and LAFC’s attacking depth highlighted the gap between the two sides at that time.
2020 – Pandemic Battles: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted MLS scheduling, but matches between these two remained intense, often decided by late goals or penalty drama.
2022 – LAFC’s Dominance: During their championship-winning season, LAFC repeatedly outclassed RSL, with Gareth Bale’s arrival adding more star power to the rivalry.
Key Players in the Real Salt Lake vs LAFC Timeline
Several players have shaped the rivalry through their performances:
- Carlos Vela (LAFC): The all-time top scorer in this timeline, with multiple goals against RSL.
- Damir Kreilach (RSL): The hero of the 2018 playoff upset, remembered for his iconic strike.
- Diego Rossi (LAFC): Consistently troubled RSL’s defense during his time with LAFC.
- Jefferson Savarino (RSL): Known for clutch goals in key matches.
- Cristian Arango (LAFC): Added crucial goals that kept LAFC on top during the 2021–2022 clashes.
These players made the Real Salt Lake vs LAFC timeline full of thrilling performances and unforgettable moments.
Head-to-Head Statistics
When analyzing the real salt lake vs lafc timeline, it becomes clear that LAFC has the upper hand in the rivalry. Their attacking prowess and depth have often given them an edge. However, Real Salt Lake’s ability to rise to the occasion, especially in high-stakes matches, keeps the rivalry unpredictable.
- LAFC has scored more than double the goals compared to RSL in some seasons.
- RSL’s playoff victory in 2018 remains its most famous win.
- The matches are usually high-scoring, with few 0-0 draws.
Fan Perspective: Atmosphere and Rivalry Culture
The rivalry isn’t just about players—it’s about the fans. LAFC’s 3252 supporters group brings unmatched energy to home games, while RSL’s “Claret and Cobalt” fans make Rio Tinto Stadium (now America First Field) a fortress.
Whenever these two sides meet, the atmosphere is electric. Chant battles, tifo displays, and passionate rival chants add fuel to the fire, making the Real Salt Lake vs. LAFC timeline one of the most exciting in the MLS Western Conference.
How the Rivalry Has Evolved
- 2018–2019: LAFC dominance with RSL’s playoff upset.
- 2020–2021: Closer battles, though LAFC usually had the upper hand.
- 2022–2023: LAFC asserted control, winning the MLS Cup in 2022 while beating RSL multiple times.
- 2024 Onwards: With RSL rebuilding and LAFC maintaining star power, the rivalry continues to evolve.
The rivalry is no longer just one-sided—it’s a clash of ambition, history, and fan passion.
Future of Real Salt Lake vs LAFC Timeline
Conclusion
The Real Salt Lake vs LAFC timeline is filled with drama, goals, iconic players, and unforgettable moments. From RSL’s shocking playoff win in 2018 to LAFC’s dominant victories, this rivalry represents everything fans love about Major League Soccer.
As the years progress, fans can expect more thrilling encounters, passionate atmospheres, and moments that will define MLS history for decades to come.
FAQs
Q1. When did Real Salt Lake and LAFC first play each other?
Ans: The first match took place on March 10, 2018, Real salt lake vs lafc timeline. where LAFC defeated Real Salt Lake 5-1 in a dominant performance.
Q2. What is the most famous match in the Real Salt Lake vs. LAFC timeline?
Ans: The 2018 MLS Cup Playoff clash stands out, where Real Salt Lake shocked LAFC with a 3-2 win, eliminating them in their debut playoff year.
Q3. Who has scored the most goals in this rivalry?
Ans: Carlos Vela of LAFC holds the record for the most goals against Real Salt Lake, consistently scoring in their encounters.
Q4. How many times has Real Salt Lake defeated LAFC?
Ans: As of 2025, Real salt lake vs lafc timeline has won around 6 matches against LAFC, though LAFC maintains a higher win record overall.
Q5. Why is the Real Salt Lake vs. LAFC rivalry significant?
Ans: It is significant because it pits one of MLS’s traditional clubs against a modern powerhouse, blending history with new-age dominance and producing thrilling high-scoring games.