Enemy Scouting Report - Real Salt Lake
(image via Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
The Houston Dynamo picked up their first point of the 2025 season with a hard-fought 0-0 draw on the road against the Columbus Crew, responding well after two disappointing home losses to start the year. Now, they return to Shell Energy Stadium in search of their first win as they take on a familiar opponent in Real Salt Lake. The two sides have faced off nine times over the past two seasons. RSL narrowly leads the all-time series 11-10, with 9 draws between the teams.
Real Salt Lake has also had a challenging start to 2025, losing two of their first three MLS matches and suffering an early exit from the CONCACAF Champions Cup against Costa Rican side Club Sport Herediano. Under head coach Pablo Mastroeni, RSL is known for its disciplined defensive structure and high-intensity play. Young attacker Diego Luna has emerged as a key creative force, capable of breaking down defenses with his vision and technical skill. In midfield, Braian Ojeda provides balance with his energy and ability to disrupt opponents, while veteran center back Justen Glad anchors the defense with leadership and experience.
With both teams eager to turn their seasons around, this matchup promises to be another competitive chapter in their growing rivalry.
Columbus Crew Record: 1W-0D-2L
Results in the last 30 days:
February 19 - Club Sport Herediano 0-0 Real Salt Lake (Champions Cup)
February 22 - San Jose Earthquakes 4-0 Real Salt Lake (MLS)
February 26 - Real Salt Lake 1-2 Club Sport Herediano (Champions Cup)
March 1 - Real Salt Lake 2-0 Seattle Sounders (MLS)
March 8 - Real Salt Lake 1-3 San Diego FC (MLS)
Last Match Staring XI (from fotmob.com)
2025 Roster
Goalkeepers: Rafael Cabral, Zac MacMath, Max Kerkvliet, Mason Stajduhar
Defenders: Kobe Henry, Brayan Vera, Emeka Eneli, Justen Glad, Philip Quinton, Sam Junqua, Zackery Farnsworth, Tommy Silva, Luis Rivera, Juan Gio Villa, Javain Brown, Alexandros Katranis
Midfielders: Braian Ojeda, Pablo Ruiz, Diego Luna, Dominik Marczuk, Nelson Palacio, Owen Anderson, Luca Moisa, Jude Wellings, Aiden Hezarkhani, Omar Marquez, Noel Caliskan
Forwards: Diogo Gonçalves, Matthew Bell, Tyler Wolff, Lachlan Brook, Bode Hidalgo, Axel Kei, Ariath Piol, Forster Ajago, Jesus Barea, Zavier Gozo
Can the Dynamo build on their improved defensive performance in Columbus and capitalize on home-field advantage to secure their first victory of the season?
