Diogo Gonçalves Opens Scoring In First Minute For RSL Against Houston

HOUSTON – Real Salt Lake broke through in the opening minute against the Houston Dynamo, thanks to Emeka Eneli and Diogo Gonçalves.

Both Eneli’s assist and Gonçalves’ goal were firsts in the early MLS season.

Similar to last week, the passing and the buildup are incredible. Eneli to Diego to Eneli to Diogo. @realsaltlake leads it early 1-0 at @HoustonDynamo @kslsports | #RSL pic.twitter.com/go0QLrE3kH

— RSL Show on KSL 🎙️⚡️ (@rslshow) March 16, 2025

Gonçalves joined Real Salt Lake in August of last year. In nine regular-season games, he scored two goals.

Meanwhile, Eneli has been in the claret and cobalt for over two seasons. As one of the most dynamic young midfielders in the MLS, he was rewarded with a big-time contract extension around the time of Gonçalves’ arrival.

The two combined for some excellent give-and-go action to give Real Salt Lake an early lead at Shell Energy Stadium.

1′ | WASTING NO TIME #HOUvRSL | 0-1 pic.twitter.com/qxF3ucxeaU

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) March 16, 2025

Although there is no reason to complain about an early lead, Real needs to show that they can hold onto it.

They have scored in the first 20 minutes in two of their three MLS matches this season but have one win and two losses to show for it.

Real Salt Lake Looks For First Road Win Against Rival Dynamo

Unfortunately, Houston has had Real’s number in the last few seasons. In 2023, the Dynamo eliminated RSL in the U.S. Open Cup semifinals. They added insult to injury by bouncing them in the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs later that year.

Last year, Real Salt Lake and Houston faced off in the Leagues Cup group stage. The Dynamo beat RSL 3-0 which kicked Real out of the tournament. The last ten matches between the clubs have seen six Dynamo wins, two RSL wins, and two draws.

To start the 2025 MLS season, Real Salt Lake has one win and two losses. They have yet to pick up a win on the road. Houston has one draw and two losses which means they have yet to win at home.

This matchup is the first of two between the clubs in the regular season.

RSL Gameday Reading

• Real Salt Lake Crumbles In Second Half, Falls To San Diego
• Real Salt Lake Capitalize On Sounders Mistakes In Home-Opening Win
• Disappointing Loss Eliminates Real Salt Lake From Champions Cup
• Real Salt Lake Finalizes Roster For 2025 MLS Season
• Forster Ajago Scores Real Salt Lake’s First Goal Of 2025
• Real Salt Lake Musters Zero Offense In Blowout Loss
• Real Salt Lake Picks Up Scoreless Draw Against C.S. Herediano
• Real Salt Lake Releases New Kit For 2025

How To Watch Real Salt Lake

All Major League Soccer games are broadcasted on Apple TV with MLS Season Pass.

All Real Salt Lake English-language radio coverage for the 2024 season and beyond will be carried on various KSL radio signals. KSL Sports Zone (97.5 FM/1280 AM) and KSL Newsradio (102.7 FM / 1160 AM) are both stations under the Bonneville International umbrella.

You can find KSL Sports coverage of Real Salt Lake here.

For more Real Salt Lake coverage and analysis, subscribe to The RSL Show and follow them on Instagram. 

Chandler Holt is a co-host of the Jazz Notes podcast, a Locals In The NFL Insider, and Digital Sports Producer for sports.ksl.com. Follow Chandler on X for Utah Jazz and Locals In The NFL updates.

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