D.C. United traveled to Sandy, Utah, for a road match against Real Salt Lake at America First Field on Saturday night, June 14th, ultimately falling 2-0 to the Claret and Cobalt despite a resilient team effort which included all five substitutes and three players back from international duty.
The Black-and-Red had early opportunities in the 3rd and 13th minute when midfielder Gabriel Pirani found space at the top of the box, leading to two strikes that narrowly missed over the crossbar. Then Real Salt Lake opened the scoring in the 23rd minute when forward Johnny Russell found space behind the D.C. United backline and slotted a low-driven shot past goalkeeper Luis Barraza into the bottom corner.
Despite conceding early, the Black-and-Red defense, anchored by Kye Rowles who returned from international duty, showed composure and resilience. Goalkeeper Luis Barraza produced several critical saves in the first half to keep the deficit at a manageable level, recording five total saves off eight shots on target. Barraza now has 49 saves in 12 matches this season.
In an attempt to inject fresh energy and offensive creativity, D.C. United introduced forward Kristian Fletcher and midfielder Jared Stroud early in the second half. The Black-and-Red increased their attacking efforts, controlling periods of possession and pushing into the final third but were unable to capitalize on their opportunities, registering eight total shots with one on goal.
Real Salt Lake extended their advantage in the 77th minute when midfielder Zavier Gozo finished a counter-attacking move on the left-hand side, with the goal confirmed after a VAR review. Despite the two-goal deficit, D.C. United continued to press and seek opportunities in the final third until the final whistle.
Midfielder Boris Enow delivered a standout performance, completing all of his dribble attempts and winning six total duels over a full 90 minutes. Defender Lucas Bartlett contributed significantly as well, recording eight recoveries and winning five ground duels, displaying strong defensive instincts and positioning. Midfielder Randall Leal, making his first start since May 14, provided consistent pressure winning four total duels and creating one opportunity in 62 minutes of action.
D.C. United are now 2-5-2 on the road in the 2025 MLS season and hold an 8-11-6 all-time regular-season record against Real Salt Lake.
D.C. United will return home aiming for a positive result in their next match against Nashville SC at Audi Field on Saturday, June 28, at 7:30 p.m. ET.
D.C. United Lineup: Luis Barraza, Lucas Bartlett, Kye Rowles, Garrison Tubbs (Derek Dodson 62'), Conner Antley (Jacob Murrell 77'), Boris Enow, Brandon Servania (Hosei Kijima 76'), David Schnegg, Gabriel Pirani (Jared Stroud 72'), Dominique Badji, Randall Leal (Kristian Fletcher 62')
Unused Substitutes: Jordan Farr, Rida Zouhir, Gavin Turner, Fidel Barajas
Head Coach: Troy Lesesne
Real Salt Lake Lineup: Rafael Cabral, Alex Katranis, Justen Glad, Brayan Vera, Bode Davis, Braian Ojeda, Pablo Ruiz, Andrés Gómez, Diogo Gonçalves, Johnny Russell, Zavier Gozo
Unused Substitutes: Zac MacMath, Bryan Oviedo, Rubio Rubin, Damir Kreilach, Bertin Jacquesson, Emeka Eneli, Moses Nyeman, Ari Piol
Head Coach: Pablo Mastroeni
