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#RSLvSKC 2021 Home Opener

Through the Lens. Photos from Laura Dearden.

By Real Salt Lake

May 3^rd, 2021

Back at the RioT

It had been 174 days since Real Salt Lake took the pitch at Rio Tinto Stadium in front of RSL nation. The lads came out hungry for three points and they did not disappoint. Real Salt Lake came out on top in the 2021 home opener against rivals Sporting Kansas City. They took down the boys of the Blue Hell 3-1.

Head Coach Freddy Juarez kept the same lineup as the season opener against Minnesota United FC with one swap of Nick Besler for Everton Luiz, who sustained a knee injury during training leading up to the home opener. The boys in Claret & Cobalt took to the pitch looking to redeem themselves against our foes to the east.

Damir doing what Damir does best

After Aaron Herrera subbed off in the 30th minute due to injury Homegrown Andrew Brody stepped onto the field to make his MLS debut. Quickly making his presence known he set up MLS veteran Damir Kreilach perfectly to get the boys level heading into halftime. The perfectly placed header came in the 35th minute of game play.

One for the story books.

Rubio Rubin stepped onto the field for his home debut for Real Salt Lake, but that's not what made this match a special one. Rubin's family were in the stands watching him play professionally for the first time live in his career. Sporting Kansas City was no match for his right foot. He slotted two beauties into the back of the net to secure the W for Real Salt Lake. It was a special moment in the Rubin household.

A tradition is born

Following every home match of 2021 Real Salt Lake will be gifting fans a team signed ball win or lose. A new section will be picked each game and one lucky fan will be walking away with a Real Salt Lake ball. Thank you, David Ochoa for the brilliant idea.

It's all about family

Following the home opener, defender Donny Toia and goalkeeper Zac MacMatch ran to their families bringing their kids Payton and Jameson onto the field to celebrate the first home win of 2021.

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