I’ve heard of finishing specialists, re-start specialists, and throw-in coaches.

Obviously most staffs have coaches who work specifically with the attackers.

But for this one specific aspect of finishing, RSL turned to Mirza, which I thought was pretty cool.

FIFA struggling to sell tickets for USMNT’s World Cup opener vs. Paraguay A sales document distributed to local organizers shows that plenty of seats are still available for the World Cup cohosts' first match

Most World Cup tickets sell quickly.

The exceptions have been games involving low-profile teams... and, remarkably, the high-priced U.S. opener.

@theathletic.com has seen a document that shows sales for that match lagging behind others in LA, such as Iran-NZ.

Story w/ @adamcrafton.bsky.social:

Messi comes to Utah, but RSL has the momentum - KSL Sports Lionel Messi makes his first appearance at America First Field in Sandy. And though he's a deadly weapon for Miami, RSL comes into the match with all the momentum.

Messi visits Utah tomorrow, but Inter Miami may be coming at exactly the wrong time.

#RSL unbeaten in 6, perfect at home in 2026.

The front 4 is flying but still improving- thanks to their (checks notes) goalkeeper coach?

My preview for KSL Sports: 👇
sports.ksl.com/mls/lionel-m...

Sometimes maybe good…

Why Pablo Mastroeni is still asking questions Head coach Pablo Mastroeni has already secured his future in Salt Lake, signing a contract extension that keeps him with the club through 2028.

Such an amazing piece by @shinkicker13.bsky.social on Pablo. I’m sure the ‘fire Pablo’ people are pretty quiet these days. Such an amazing coach and man.

Soon @theathletic.com will be calling.

#RSL
#DaleReal
@realsaltlake.com

www.ksl.com/article/5148...

Why Pablo Mastroeni is still asking questions Head coach Pablo Mastroeni has already secured his future in Salt Lake, signing a contract extension that keeps him with the club through 2028.

I wrote the intro to this article in 2024- after watching Pablo chat with a barrista.

Months (years) of jotting notes, collecting tales, and a 1v1 later, I hope I did him justice.

Why Pablo Mastroeni Is Still Asking Questions:
ksl.com/article/5148...

#RSL

Control vs. chaos: RSL hosts San Diego in clash of styles It is fun watching two teams that both want the ball. It is even more interesting seeing which one can keep control of it when the game starts to break.

Control vs. chaos.

How Real Salt Lake can keep building momentum without losing their shape or edge against a dangerous San Diego side.

New for KSL Sports:
www.ksl.com/article/5148...

#RSL

Zooming out

2 straight weeks VAR thought #RSL deserved a penalty + opponent sent off- neither was given.

On the other hand, also in SD, VAR wanted a pen against Glad, ref stuck with no call.

Add in Sabbi’s retroactive red via DISCO week 1 (doesn't help RSL)-

You can see where frustration builds.

Tricky: on the first review this episode, the ref overturns his call on a similar play with less contact.

Same framework. Different outcome.

Both subjective. That’s the tension.

But congrats to PRO on 200 episodes. Transparency is genuinely valuable, even if you don’t agree.

Inside Video Review: MLS #6 YouTube video by Professional Referee Organization

PRO’s “Inside Video Review” look at a potential DOGSO red + PK for #RSL

VAR recommended on-field review for DOGSO red.
Ref stayed with original decision.

PRO calls it “subjective.” Review starts at 8:45

Worth a watch 👇

www.youtube.com/watch?v=7N6F...

The World Cup is coming.

And in Salt Lake, it suddenly feels real.

My latest on the World Cup trophy visit and what it means for Real Salt Lake ⬇️

ksl.com/article/514821…

#RSL

'Everywhere was dark': Victor Olatunji's return adds firepower to rising RSL attack After a frightening eye injury sidelined him days before the season opener, the Real Salt Lake striker is back, and already making an impact.

🚨 BREAKING: Mattey Casey to KSL Sports, here we go.

Deal agreed. No release clause.

Coverage incoming.

Should be fun.

First piece is live 👇
www.ksl.com/article/5147...

From Momentum to Expectation: RSL Proves It Belongs in San Diego With 2-2 Road Draw Early Controversy, Late Response

A point on the road. But it felt like more was there.

#RSL responds, pushes, and goes for the win in a wild 2–2 draw in San Diego.

Full recap ⬇️

shinkicker13.substack.com/p/from-momen...

From Momentum to Expectation: RSL Heads to San Diego With Something to Prove RSL’s early-season surge meets a San Diego side balancing talent, disruption, and identity

Diego Luna’s coming-out party came under San Diego manager Mikey Varas.

Now they meet again.

Full preview of RSL’s trip west, including the pipeline, momentum, and a San Diego side in flux:

🔗 shinkicker13.substack.com/p/from-momen...

#RSL

*laughs in IT Crowd*

Monarchs Rally Twice, Stay Unbeaten After Heated Night Against LAFC2 A red card, late drama, and another Max Kerkvliet shootout save help Real Monarchs secure the extra point

LA celebrates too early, Monarchs rally twice.

Max Kerkvliet delivers again in the shootout.

Real Monarchs stay unbeaten after a heated night against LAFC2 👇
shinkicker13.substack.com/p/monarchs-r...

#SLCvLAFC

Stijn Spierings tells us he does not consider himself a scorer.

Not sure if Austin agrees with that assessment.

Persistence Pays Off: Spierings’ Late Strike Gives RSL Third Straight Win RSL controls the match, survives controversy, and rides a debut rocket to a third straight win

VAR controversy.

Luna & Olatunji return.

Morgan everywhere.

And then… Spierings.

My full recap of Real Salt Lake’s 2–1 win over Austin FC ⬇️
shinkicker13.substack.com/p/persistenc...

#RSL #RSLvATX #MLS

Lineups are in!

Utah native and Academy/Monarchs product Griffin Dillon earns his first start for #RSL

Diego Luna, Victor Olatunji, Kobi Henry, Stijn Spierings all make the matchday roster

#RSLvATX

The Luna/Olatunji minutes off the bench could be really interesting in this one.

FYI- I'm expecting Utah native/academy product/Monarchs standout Griffin Dillon to get his first starting nod in this match 👀

Momentum Meets Opportunity: Real Salt Lake Prepares for Austin FC Consecutive wins and returning players are beginning to change the early-season picture for Real Salt Lake

Real Salt Lake enters Saturday with:

• wins over Seattle and Atlanta
• young players stepping up
• Diego Luna and Victor Olatunji returning

Austin FC comes to America First Field next.
My preview of the matchup:

shinkicker13.substack.com/p/momentum-m...

#RSL #MLS

Timo Werner: San Jose's new centerpiece takes MLS by storm | MLSSoccer.com Timo Werner was refreshingly honest about the learning curve after his San Jose Earthquakes debut.

"When I came in, I saw an organization that is not prepared to win."

"It's not a secret that I have a tough time the last six months."

We didn't see a Bruce Arena-Timo Werner alliance coming. But it's made #Quakes74 the surprise package of MLS 2026 so far:

www.mlssoccer.com/news/timo-we...

Pablo Mastroeni on #RSL 2-0-1 Start, Win @ ATL, Roster/Formations + more Podcast Episode · The Drive with Spence Checketts · March 11 · 21m

AUDIO: #RSL boss Pablo Mastroeni talks Luna, Olatunji return with @spencechecketts.bsky.social, says that Morgan Guilavogui is “most talented player I’ve ever coached” and breaks down early-season Gozo/Hezarkhani success

podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...

a little boy in a blue shirt is talking to a woman in a parking lot . ALT: a little boy in a blue shirt is talking to a woman in a parking lot .

Emeka tho 👀

“Everywhere Was Dark”: Victor Olatunji Returns to Training After Freak Eye Injury After three weeks recovering from a frightening training accident, the Real Salt Lake striker is back and available for selection

“Everywhere was dark.”

Three weeks after a frightening training ground eye injury, Victor Olatunji is back training fully with Real Salt Lake and available for selection this weekend.

My story on the freak accident and his return:

shinkicker13.substack.com/p/everywhere...

#RSL

I always say- “Hemingway said critics are men who watch a battle from a high place and then come down to shoot the survivors.”

That settles their hash, I find, and then they give ME the blank expression as they sidle off in ignominy.

Does he have a red Mohawk? We sure it’s not Johnny?

🚨 Venue Change + Free Soccer 🚨

Sunday’s Real Monarchs vs LAFC2 match has been moved to America First Field- FREE ADMISSION.

Like the young talent breaking through with RSL?

Monarchs coming off a 5–0 win with a locker room full of guys saying: “I got next”

#RSL