Unbeaten in 4, Real Salt Lake back in among playoff contenders before All-Star break
Agada’s first home goal, and Rafael Cabral’s four-save shutout lifted RSL to a 1-0 win over Houston Dynamo FC in front of an announced crowd of 19,678 in Sandy, Utah.
SANDY, Utah (July 12, 2025) — William Agada took the flag, stepped on top of the pedestal in front of the south-end supporters’ section at America First Field, and waved the flag before shoving it into the ground.
For the second time since joining Real Salt Lake in April — and the first since May 28 against Austin — the 25-year-old Nigerian striker scored for his new club.
But this one was different. This time, he scored in front of his new hometown, a group that has welcomed him with open arms and embraced him even as he (like most of his team) struggled to find the back of the net.
Agada wanted to re-pay his new club. On Saturday night, he did.
Agada’s first home goal, and Rafael Cabral’s four-save shutout lifted RSL to a 1-0 win over Houston Dynamo FC in front of an announced crowd of 19,678 in Sandy, Utah.
And after the match, there was no argument whom should plant the flag in front a second consecutive home victory.
“Personally, for me, it means a lot,” Agada said after the match. “We have amazing fans, always here to support us, during bad days and good days. For us, we feel like it’s our responsibility that every tackle matters, every attack matters, every 50-50 matters.
“It’s incredible to see all these guys always supporting us,” he added. “This is our way to say thank you for coming, to give them a win and to go home feeling good. We always want to give back to our fans, and again, thank you for coming and I hope you keep coming and we can keep giving you wins.”
Agada gave Salt Lake a deserved 1-0 halftime lead, finishing one past Dynamo goalkeeper Jonathon Bond in the 42nd minute off an initial corner kick from Pablo Ruiz as RSL out-shot the visitors despite giving up 52% of possession before the break.
In many ways, it was classic Agada.
“I think that’s Willy; he’s a bulldozer around the goal,” RSL manager Pablo Mastroeni said. “He puts his body on the line … I think his bravery in that area is really important. He’s been doing well in training, and I think it’s great that he got his opportunity tonight and was able to put it away.”
Agada’s goal and Rafael Cabral’s shutout stretched Real Salt Lake’s unbeaten run to four consecutive matches, a run of 10 of a possible 12 points through June and July that pushed the hosts to 11th place in the Western Conference.
After bottoming out with a 2-0 loss to then-winless LA Galaxy, RSL has found something. The club is unbeaten in four matches, with 10 of a possible 12 points through June and July.
From losing to a team riding one of the worst starts in MLS history to now being just 2 points behind ninth-place Austin FC for the final playoff spot if the postseason started today is quite the turnaround.
Sure, the job’s not finished. But appreciate the moment, RSL fans. After all, life comes at you fast.
The first three matches of the unbeaten run came without Diego Luna, who was away with the U.S. men’s national team. When Luna returned Saturday night, the momentum kept going — despite a few close calls from the visiting Dynamo.
“As we head toward the end of the season, these performances should build confidence when the team isn’t going your way,” Mastroeni said. “Instead of absolving yourself of responsibility, you’ve got everybody working their tails off to preserve three points.”
LINEUPS
Real Salt Lake (4-2-2-2): Rafael Cabral ©; Noel Caliskan (Emeka Eneli, 92’), Justen Glad, Sam Junqua, Alexandros Katranis (Brayan Vera, 67’); Braian Ojeda (Bode Hidalgo, 67’), Pablo Ruiz; Diogo Gonçalves, Diego Luna; Zavier Gozo (Ari Piol, 67’), William Agada (Philip Quinton, 87’)
Subs not used: Mason Stadjuhar, Jesus Barea, Johnny Russell, Dominik Marczuk
Head Coach: Pablo Mastroeni
Houston Dynamo (4-3-3): Jonathan Bond; Felipe Andrade (Griffin Dorsey, 70’), Pablo Ortiz, Ethan Bartlow, Franco Escobar; Artur © (Duane Holmes, 83’), Jack McGlynn, Brooklyn Raines (Gabe Segal, 89’); Amine Bassi (Sebastian Kowalczyk, 70’), Ezequiel Ponce, Lawrence Ennali (Ondrej Lingr, 70’)
Subs not used: Jimmy Maurer, Toyosi Olusanya, Femi Awodesu, Junior Urso
Head Coach: Ben Olsen
Stats Summary: RSL / HOU
Shots: 17 / 17
Shots on Goal: 5 / 4
Saves: 4 / 3
Corner Kicks: 5 / 4
Fouls: 15 / 8
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY
HOU: Felipe Andrade (Yellow Card - 35’)
HOU: Artur (Yellow Card - 40’)
RSL: Braian Ojeda (Yellow Card - 57’)
RSL: Noel Caliskan (Yellow Card - 68’)
RSL: William Agada (Yellow Card - 72’)