Even though Salt Lake City is known as an “X-Games city” or “winter sports city”, they are a soccer city in every way. In perspective to the average MLS team, Real Salt Lake does not receive many nationally televised games, or “primetime games”. However, the lack of national coverage does not detract from the success and fanbase of this franchise whatsoever. Real Salt Lake’s first season in the MLS was in 2005, and since then they have appeared in the playoffs ten different times, including one year, 2009, in which they won the MLS Cup Finals. In the 2009 MLS Cup Finals, Real Salt Lake faced the favorite to win at the time, LA Galaxy. The Galaxy were the best regular season team that season and were ready to rout Real Salt Lake. But, it was not as easy as it seemed. Real Salt Lake blocked out what the critics predicted, and just played good, fundamental, unselfish soccer. Real Salt Lake defeated the Galaxy and that 2009 Real Salt Lake team is still known as one of the best “underdog stories” in MLS history. Real Salt Lake fans love being known as the “underdog” because the organization’s success embodies resilience and grit.
Being a part of this organization is an opportunity you do not want to miss! Check out Real Salt Lake City’s website and see the different programs that they offer. One such program that Real Salt Lake is partaking in is “Feeding The Frontliners”. This program is vital in days such as these because it allows you, as a fan, to join in and make a contribution towards the frontlines where “any donation will feed frontline caregivers providing immediate support and relief to their personal costs.” Another way to stay involved as a Real Salt Lake fan and show your true colors is by purchasing a Real Salt Lake license plate. The proceeds of your purchase will go to many good causes such as creating safe places for young kids to play soccer and to the Unified Team. According to the website, “the Unified Team will be holding tryouts for Athletes (players with intellectual disabilities) and Partners (players without intellectual disabilities) for the 2020-2021 Real Salt Lake Special Olympics.
Real Salt Lake’s fan atmosphere and community is very unique, considering there is a large number of supporters from a smaller metro area like Salt Lake City. To stay connected as a Real Salt Lake fan and meet up at a gathering place whether it is virtual or in-person, check out FanWide’s Real Salt Lake page. FanWide, the largest fan club network worldwide has nearly seventeen thousand fans. Also, to stay active on social media, follow these three Real Salt Lake social media accounts that include their Instagram with 95.4K followers, Twitter with 144K followers, and Facebook with just over 216K likes. We need your help in helping in bringing another MLS championship trophy to Salt Lake!