- RSL's unbeaten streak ended with a 1-0 loss to Cincinnati.
- Cincinnati's Luca Orellano scored the decisive goal in the 87th minute.
- RSL's next match is against San Jose, missing key defenders due to suspensions.
SANDY — Real Salt Lake was on the cusp of its first four-game win streak since 2013 on Saturday at America First Field; and for the majority of the match, it seemed to be right there for the taking.
The home team led the way with 17 total shots and seven on target, but was unable to come up with a goal for the first time since May. A goal by FC Cincinnati in the 87th minute was the difference in a tight match, as RSL's unbeaten streak, dating back to the start of June, was snapped at five games.
Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano saved all seven of RSL's shots on target in an impressive night in front of the goal. Substitute Luca Orellano found a moment of brilliance off the bench for Cincinnati late with a curling game-winner past Rafael Cabral and into the far side of the goal.
Take a bow, Luca Orellano 😱😱
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 20, 2025
An absolute worldie puts @fccincinnati ahead late in Salt Lake.
📺 #MLSSeasonPass or Apple TV+: https://t.co/FUTX4tlq19pic.twitter.com/HfVyiqlMC1
"The difference (tonight) was a world-class goal," head coach Pablo Mastroeni said. "There's not much our pivots could have done. He knew exactly what he was going to do before he got the ball. It was his world-class striking that was the difference.
"I'm watching this game unfold, and I'm thinking we have them right where we want them," Mastroeni continued. "We put ourselves in position in the second half to really get after it, and the guys did that, the guys executed, and the only place where we fell short was the goal."
The game started chippy, with five yellow cards handed out in the opening 45 minutes. The cautions given to RSL defenders Alex Katranis and Brayan Vera put them over the limit for yellow card accumulation, meaning the two starters will be sidelined for the next match against San Jose on Saturday, July 26.
Diego Luna led the home team in total shots with four, but was unable to come up with a goal or assist for the third consecutive game since returning from the Gold Cup. His last goal for RSL was on May 24.
RSL finishes off its July homestand next week against the San Jose Earthquakes and former star striker Chicho Arango. The match kicks off at 7:30 p.m. MDT at America First Field.
