FC Cincinnati Seeks Eastern Conference Lead in Utah Against In-Form Real Salt Lake

FC Cincinnati is building momentum in the 2025 MLS season, having won four of their last five matches and recently securing a strong 3-0 victory over Inter Miami, who had been on a three-game winning streak led by Lionel Messi. They are preparing to face Real Salt Lake (RSL), a team currently unbeaten in their last five matches despite a poor start to the season and sitting 10th in the Western Conference. RSL's resurgence is credited to coach Pablo Mastroeni and key players like 21-year-old midfielder Diego Luna, who has 12 goal contributions and has also excelled with the U.S. Men's National Team. RSL has shown strong home form, aided by playing at elevation, while FC Cincinnati aims to maintain its position near the top of the Eastern Conference. FC Cincinnati's coach Pat Noonan praised RSL's defensive pressure and Luna's development, emphasizing the challenge ahead. The rivalry between FC Cincinnati and teams like Columbus Crew remains intense, with FCC showing flashes of brilliance but still working on consistency to defeat top-level opponents.