Real Salt Lake’s Diego Luna Shines For USA In Under-20 World Championships

SALT LAKE CITY – Recently signed Real Salt Lake attacking midfielder Diego Luna, 18, has shined throughout the group stage of the Under-20 World Championships.

The USA opened their tournament with a 10-0 victory against St. Kitts and Nevis that saw Luna bag the assist of the game when he played a long through ball with the outside of his right foot that eventuated with Paxten Aaronson with a one-on-one opportunity that he calmly buried into the bottom left corner of the net.

DIEGO LUNA WITH A BEAUTIFUL OUTSIDE OF THE BOOT ASSIST!!! WHAT A PASS!! #RSL pic.twitter.com/fjWXFdLI6i

— Soccer Amaretto Lime ⚽️ (@CPooplisic_10) June 18, 2022

The following fixture against Canada that concluded in a 2-2 draw saw Luna notch both assists as he controlled the attacking third of the pitch with his movement and passing ability.

Diego Luna with ANOTHER outside of the boot assist for the #USMNT U20s, his second assist of the night. I think we’ve got a special player here #RSL pic.twitter.com/UVAVQyNSoP

— Soccer Amaretto Lime ⚽️ (@CPooplisic_10) June 21, 2022

Then, in the final group stage game against Cuba, managers Tab Ramos and Anthony Hudson opted to give Luna a rest. The USA beat Cuba 3-0 and booked their spot in the Round of 16 where they will play Nicaragua on Saturday, June 25, with kick-off slated for 6:30 p.m.

Get To Know Luna

Luna was signed by Real Salt Lake from El Paso Locomotive on June 2nd and saw his first MLS action when he came on in stoppage time in the 2-1 loss to Vancouver on the road three weeks ago.

“I believe Real Salt Lake is a historic club with an amazing and vibrant fan base; I am grateful for the faith RSL has in me and my abilities, and I look forward to contributing to the team,” Luna said when his signing was announced. “After speaking with the front office about their strong interest and plan for me, I am convinced this was the right move for my career. I will forever be grateful to El Paso for giving me my first professional contract, and the opportunity to showcase myself as I face new challenges.”

Luna will return to Real Salt Lake following the conclusion of the Under-20 World Championships. If the USA wins the tournament, Luna will return shortly after the final which is slated to occur on Sunday, July 3rd.