Real Salt Lake secured a critical 2-1 comeback victory over Austin FC on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026, at Q2 Stadium, moving the club above the playoff line with two matches remaining in the regular season. The win marked the team's third consecutive victory and its fourth consecutive unbeaten match, bringing its 2026 record to 12-14-6 with 42 points.
A Midweek Comeback
The victory in Austin was Real Salt Lake's third come-from-behind win of the 2026 season and its third road win of the year. After conceding the opening goal, the visitors earned an equalizer just three minutes later through Georgian midfielder Saba Lobjanidze, who curled a shot into the top right corner of the net. The play was set up by Juan Ma Sanabria and Stijn Spiernings. Lobjanidze's goal was his fourth in his first season with the club.
Guilavogui Secures the Win
Real Salt Lake took the lead in the 61st minute when Designated Player Morgan Guilavogui converted a goal assisted by rookie striker Sergi Solans. This marked Guilavogui's fifth goal of the season and his third goal in his last two road matches, following recent wins in Kansas City and Austin. Solans, who provided the assist, has recorded 18 goal contributions so far in his first professional season, including seven game-deciding goals or assists.
Alastuey Strikes First
Austin FC opened the scoring in the 52nd minute when Jordge Alastuey scored his first career MLS goal. Following a clearance by the Real Salt Lake defense, Alastuey took a touch before striking a low, left-footed shot from approximately 25 yards out into the bottom corner. The match, played in 74-degree weather before 20,738 fans, saw Austin FC struggle to maintain the lead despite an initial period of pressure.
First Half Stalemate
The match featured high-level offensive opportunities for both sides during the first half. Real Salt Lake dominated possession with over 50% of the ball and generated 10 shots, though they were unable to score before the halftime whistle. Earlier in the match, Real Salt Lake nearly scored when a shot hit the crossbar, and Austin FC's Myrto Uzuni nearly opened the scoring in the early minutes.
Mastroeni Maintains Lineup
Head Coach Pablo Mastroeni utilized a consistent starting lineup for the fourth consecutive match, making no changes to the XI for the first time in his five-plus years at the helm of Real Salt Lake. The club has secured 10 of its last 12 available points, moving closer to its goal of a sixth consecutive playoff berth. The team's recent form includes an active four-game unbeaten streak, having lost only once in their last six matches on Oct. 10 in Philadelphia.
Looking Ahead
Despite the win, Morgan Guilavogui will be unavailable for Real Salt Lake's upcoming match against the San Jose Earthquakes due to a suspension following a yellow card received during the Austin match. The team's congested schedule continues this Saturday, Oct. 31, with a road match against the Earthquakes at 3 p.m. MT. Austin FC, meanwhile, will face the LA Galaxy on Saturday, Oct. 31, to continue their season.
Postseason Implications
The result leaves Austin FC with a 34-point record, eliminating them from postseason contention. The club has not won a home match since July 22. Real Salt Lake's road record for the season now stands at 3-10-3.
