Toronto FC Faces Uphill Battle for Rare Victory at Real Salt Lake
Toronto FC is preparing for a high-stakes clash against Real Salt Lake (RSL) this Saturday night in Sandy, Utah. However, history is not on their side. The Canadian side hasn’t managed a single win in Utah since their lone 2-1 triumph back on July 4, 2007, and are 0-10-2 in their last 12 visits.
Utah – A Fortress for Real Salt Lake
After losing to Toronto in their inaugural encounter at the University of Utah stadium, RSL has turned home advantage into a fortress. The team boasts a 12-game unbeaten run at home against Toronto, including a victory in the 2010 CONCACAF Champions League.
“It’s a tough place to play,” admitted first-year Toronto FC head coach Robin Fraser. “Over the years, the results haven’t been good there because it is a tough place.”
Toronto FC’s Woes Continue in 2025 MLS Season
Toronto FC (0-4-4) has had a forgettable season so far. They failed to secure a win in their first five games and are currently on a streak of three straight draws, including last week’s scoreless tie against Minnesota United. The team has collected just four points from eight matches.
The absence of key forward Deandre Kerr has been a major blow. Kerr, tied with Federico Bernardeschi as the team’s top scorer (2 goals), is out with an ankle injury and isn’t expected back for at least a month. See how this impact the Handicappers by checking out our Weekly Soccer Picks
Real Salt Lake: Signs of Promise, but Not Without Issues
Real Salt Lake (3-5-0) enters the game having lost three of their last four matches. Their most recent setback came in heartbreaking fashion when Nashville’s Sam Surridge scored a stoppage-time goal to seal a 2-1 defeat.
Despite the mixed form, RSL’s Diego Luna remains optimistic. “We’re playing well. The team is growing and the chemistry is getting better.”
Coach Pablo Mastroeni echoed the sentiment: “We’ve made good strides, but there are moments of naivete that we want to dial in.”
Injury Blow for Real Salt Lake
Defensive depth took a hit as Javain Brown underwent season-ending knee surgery after tearing his ACL and damaging his meniscus in training. His absence leaves a gap in the backline just as RSL aims to solidify its home record. Don’t miss the Sports Handicappers Leaderboard for 2025
Match Preview: What to Watch For
Key Factor | Toronto FC | Real Salt Lake |
---|---|---|
Current Form | 0-4-4, winless in 8 games | 3-5-0, lost 3 of last 4 |
Top Scorers | Kerr (2, injured), Bernardeschi (2) | Luna (3 goals) |
Key Injury | Kerr (ankle) | Javain Brown (ACL, out for season) |
Historical Record | 0-10-2 in Utah since 2007 | 12-game unbeaten home streak vs TFC |
Will History Repeat or Be Rewritten?
Toronto FC is desperate to claim their first win in Utah in nearly 18 years. But with key injuries, a lackluster attack, and a daunting track record in Sandy, it’s clear they’re facing long odds. Real Salt Lake, despite recent slip-ups, remains a solid home side and will look to extend their domination over Toronto.
Kickoff is set for Saturday night, and all eyes will be on whether this matchup will mark a turning point or just another chapter in Toronto’s Utah struggles.