Match Summary
Sporting Kansas City defeated Real Salt Lake 3:2. The match was played in Major League Soccer 2023. Goals were scored by E. Thommy 4′, J. Russell 29′, A. Pulido 77′, B. Vera 81′, J. Savarino 89′. 4 yellow cards were shown, 1 red cards. Real Salt Lake had 38% possession while Sporting Kansas City held 62%. Real Salt Lake had 10 shots (4 on target) compared to 16 (10 on target) for Sporting Kansas City. Expected goals: Real Salt Lake 0.46 — Sporting Kansas City 1.80. Real Salt Lake made 5 substitutions, Sporting Kansas City made 5. VAR was involved: Card upgrade (Justen Glad 3′).
Match Events
Key match events between Real Salt Lake and Sporting Kansas City — 5 goals and 5 cards recorded during the match.
assist: L. Ndenbe
Match Statistics
Real Salt Lake had 38% possession against Sporting Kansas City's 62%. Real Salt Lake registered 10 shots (4 on target) while Sporting Kansas City managed 16 (10 on target). Corner kicks: 6–4. Fouls committed: 9–9.
Lineups
Real Salt Lake lined up in a 4-4-2 formation under P. Mastroeni, while Sporting Kansas City deployed a 4-3-3 under P. Vermes.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Real Salt Lake is 6.98, compared to 6.85 for Sporting Kansas City. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Real Salt Lake's highest-rated starter is J. Glad (7.07), while Sporting Kansas City's best-rated player is J. Davis (6.89).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Real Salt Lake have contributed 4 goals and 1 assists this season, led by B. Ojeda (2G). Sporting Kansas City's starters account for 7 goals and 4 assists, spearheaded by D. Sallói (7G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Real Salt Lake deploy 4 defenders rated 7.00 on average, against Sporting Kansas City's 4-man backline averaging 6.89. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Real Salt Lake field 4 midfielders averaging 6.96, versus Sporting Kansas City's 3 rated 6.78. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Real Salt Lake start 2 forward(s) averaging —, compared to 3 for Sporting Kansas City averaging 6.89. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 52% for Real Salt Lake and —% for Sporting Kansas City. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Real Salt Lake's starters have collected 23 yellow cards this season, compared to 14 for Sporting Kansas City. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Real Salt Lake's starting XI is 27.3 (youngest: B. Ojeda (25), oldest: C. Arango (30)), while Sporting Kansas City average 32.0 (youngest: J. Davis (23), oldest: T. Melia (39)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Real Salt Lake's starters average 30 league appearances each, versus 27 for Sporting Kansas City. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Substitutes
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Real Salt Lake have recorded 2 wins, 1 draws and 3 defeats. Sporting Kansas City show 0 wins, 1 draws and 5 losses from their last 6 outings.
Real Salt Lake
Sporting Kansas City
Head to Head
Real Salt Lake and Sporting Kansas City have met 2 times — Real Salt Lake won 1, Sporting Kansas City won 0, with 1 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2025. Real Salt Lake leads the head-to-head with 1 victories from 2 meetings. A combined 5 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 2.50 per match (3 for the home side, 2 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 2 matches (100%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 1 games (50%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 2–1 in 2025.
1
Real Salt Lake
1
Drawn
0
Sporting Kansas City
Recent Meetings (2)
API data: 15 Mar 2026