Pablo Ruiz scored his first goal for Real Salt Lake since June 2023 during a Leagues Cup opener on Tuesday, August 5, helping the Claret-and-Cobalt to a 1-1 regulation draw against Tigres UANL before ultimately losing 6-5 in a penalty shootout tiebreaker.
Ruiz Ends Scoring Drought
The equalizer came in the 16th minute of the match at America First Field before a crowd of 16,155 fans. Following a deflected shot by French-born Designated Player Morgan Guilavogui, the ball fell to the feet of the Argentine midfielder at the top of the 18-yard box. Ruiz then delivered a lethal left-footed shot that beat the Tigres goalkeeper to level the score.
Overcoming Injury Setbacks
The strike marked Ruiz's first goal for the club since his June 2023 performance against D.C. United, ending a 35-match scoring drought. The milestone follows a difficult period for the midfielder, who faced consecutive major injuries: a torn meniscus in August 2023 and a torn ACL in March 2024.
New Faces on the Pitch
In addition to Ruiz's milestone, the match saw two players earn their first professional starts for Real Salt Lake. Georgian midfielder Saba Lobjanidze, who joined the club from Atlanta United on July 1, has contributed two goals in four appearances since his arrival. Colombian centerback Juan Jose Arias also made his debut start, adding defensive depth to the squad.
A Demanding Schedule Ahead
This match served as Real Salt Lake's first competitive home appearance since mid-May, following a delay caused by the 2026 FIFA World Cup break. The club now faces a congested 15-day schedule, which includes playing five consecutive matches at home.
Historical Context of the Club
Real Salt Lake's 2023 season was marked by competition in Major League Soccer, the U.S. Open Cup, and the Leagues Cup. Under head coach Pablo Mastroeni, the team competed in its 19th season in the top division of the American soccer pyramid.
The 2023 Roster Overview
The 2023 roster included various international players, such as Argentine midfielder Pablo Ruiz, who has been with the club since 2018. Other notable members of the 2023 squad included Designated Players Chicho Arango and Jefferson Savarino.
Next Matchup
Real Salt Lake is scheduled to play its second Leagues Cup match of the tournament on Saturday, August 8, against Liga MX newcomers Atlante FC. The match is set to kick off at 8:00 PM MT.
