clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Top 10 first MLS goals scored by Real Salt Lake players

Real Salt Lake v Sporting Kansas City Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Real Salt Lake has had its share of fantastic MLS goal-scorers over the years, and Justen Glad just entered the conversation with his go-ahead goal on Saturday.

In commemoration of this fine event, we've gone over a slew of first-MLS goals scored in a Real Salt Lake uniform and picked out ten of the best. We've tried to go for players who are memorable, so you won't see some of those early draft picks on the list.

Additionally, you won't see some RSL greats on the list because they scored their first MLS goals wearing other team's colors. (You can't fault them for that, I guess.)

10. Devon Sandoval vs. New England, May 8, 2013

Watch this guy scrap for the goal — he may not always have the most success in front of goal, and he might not score the most spectacular ones when he does find success, but he's scrapped out some vital goals since signing.

9. Luke Mulholland vs. San Jose, March 15, 2014

As first goals go, this one's characteristic of Mulholland's play — he doesn't give up on a ball, and he'll do everything within his grasp to score.

8. Alvaro Saborio vs. Seattle Sounders, April 10, 2010

A bullet of a header. That's Alvaro Saborio for you.

7. Justen Glad vs. Sporting Kansas City, April 2, 2016

Justen Glad is an excellent young defender, and this goal was truly just. The free kick's a thing of beauty, but the finish is excellent. And just watch Glad's face when he realizes he's scored — yeah, that's why we love this game.

6. Luis Gil vs. New York Red Bulls, August 6, 2011

Do you remember when Luis scored this goal? It was a gentle reminder that even the youngest among us can do important things. You know, like bang goals into the net. This was a good one.

5. Jamison Olave vs. Toronto FC, July 28, 2008

Have you ever seen a header like this? The way he glances the ball into the net, letting it nestle into its new home, is a thing of true beauty.

4. Olmes Garcia vs. Vancouver, April 13, 2013

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dc9cESm3J9M

This goal almost seems to focused on teaching Vancouver a lesson: "Golmes" has all the time in the world, and he uses that to curl in a perfect strike.

3. Jonny Steele vs. Portland, March 31, 2012

This goal is unforgettable, even if Jonny Steele at Real Salt Lake doesn't bring to mind too many fond memories. It's a game-equalizer in stoppage time. This one's actually more memorable for the goal that came right after — a Kyle Beckerman beauty.

2. Fabian Espindola vs. Kansas City, August 29, 2007

This is a classic Espindola goal: Burst down the left wing, take a shot, score a goal. It came at a time when we were surely not the best team in the league,

1. Javier Morales vs. LA Galaxy, September 19, 2007

A stunning free kick. Vintage Javi. Need we say more?

Honorable mentions

John Stertzer vs. New York City FC, May 23, 2015

It took him a couple years to notch his first goal, but he did, and it was great.

Chris Schuler vs. New England Revolution, April 2011

A looping header, and it's not incredibly spectacular, but it's a solid first goal.

Sebastian Velasquez vs. LA Galaxy, November 7, 2013

This goal was added on April 5.

This goal won't win any beauty contests, but it was incredibly important — it was one of the things that helped propel RSL through the playoffs in 2013.

Jordan Allen vs. Toronto FC, March 29, 2015

This goal was added on April 7.

We somehow missed Jordan Allen's game-winner at first, which is a real shame: This is an incredible snap-down header that elevated RSL to a win. Can't complain about that.

Did we miss some great first-MLS goals? Share them with us, please.