Real Salt Lake clinched a spot in the Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs with a 2-1 victory over the LA Galaxy on Decision Day, securing the club's sixth consecutive postseason appearance. The win ensures the team's place in the postseason, where they are scheduled to face the No. 8-seeded Seattle Sounders FC in a Wild Card match.
Western Conference Standing
The Claret-and-Cobalt finished the season in ninth place within the Western Conference standings. The club's final record for the season stands at 13 wins, 15 losses, and 6 draws, totaling 45 points. This postseason run marks the sixth straight year the club has qualified for the playoffs, a streak that has continued through every season since head coach Pablo Mastroeni took charge of the team in 2021.
Roster Challenges
The team's path to the postseason was marked by significant roster changes and injury setbacks. USMNT midfielder Diego Luna, who recorded 5 goals and 6 assists this year, was limited by injuries before undergoing season-ending knee surgery in mid-September. Additionally, the club saw the departure of homegrown winger Zavier Gozo, who transferred to the English Premier League side Crystal Palace.
Key Player Contributions
Despite these absences, Real Salt Lake found late-season form driven by standout individual performances. Rookie striker Sergi Solans recorded 15 goals and 4 assists, a performance that earned him a contract extension in August. Designated Player Morgan Guilavogui, who joined the club from Ligue 1 side RC Lens, co-leads the team with 10 assists.
Defensive and Historical Context
The defensive unit features international talent, including 2026 FIFA World Cup defenders Juan Manuel Sanabria of Uruguay and Luc de Fougerolles of Canada. These players provide support in front of veteran goalkeeper Rafael Cabral. The club's historical postseason record includes winning the MLS Cup presented by Audi in 2009 and appearing in the 2013 final.
Playoff Format and Schedule
The Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs will begin on Nov. 19 with Wild Card matches. Under the current format, seeds 8 and 9 in each conference qualify for these Wild Card matches, while seeds 1 through 7 in each conference qualify for the Round One Best-of-3 Series. Teams seeded 10 through 15 in each conference do not qualify for the postseason. The MLS Cup presented by Audi is scheduled to be played on Dec. 18.
Viewing Information
Real Salt Lake's upcoming postseason schedule begins with the Wild Card match against Seattle. All playoff games are available for viewing on Apple TV.
