- Victor Olatunji scored in his debut but RSL lost 3-1 to Minnesota.
- DeAndre Yedlin made his first start, adding experience to RSL's struggling defense.
- RSL, now 10th in the Western Conference, hopes to regroup during the break.
SANDY — A night filled with anticipation and new beginnings at America First Field didn't end the way Real Salt Lake hoped.
Despite a home debut goal from striker Victor Olatunji and the first start for U.S. international DeAndre Yedlin, RSL fell 3-1 to Minnesota United on Saturday night.
The loss marks RSL's third straight defeat, dropping the club to 9-14-4 on the season and leaving them in 10th place in the Western Conference.
Fans came into the match buzzing with excitement to see new signings take the field, and it didn't take long for the spotlight to shine on Olatunji.
After an early own goal by defender Brayan Vera that gifted Minnesota the lead in the sixth minute, Olatunji answered with a composed finish in the 15th, firing home his first-ever goal at America First Field in front of the RSL crowd.
"It's not easy — 100%, it's not easy," Olatunji said. "As a professional, I just need to adapt to the system as quickly as possible. I just wish we could have turned it into a win."
Meanwhile, Yedlin — he signed last week to bolster the back line — slotted into the starting lineup for the first time. The 32-year-old right back brought pace and veteran leadership to a defense that has struggled with consistency throughout the summer.
"DeAndre is a guy who has been in the biggest moments in soccer," head coach Pablo Mastroeni said. "He's going to make a huge impact for us as we continue to build this group."
While RSL rode the early spark of Olatunji's equalizer, Minnesota responded with precision. Robin Lod restored the lead in the 36th minute, burying a chance at the near post. Just six minutes after halftime, JoaquÃn Pereyra fired a low strike past Rafael Cabral to push the visitors ahead 3-1.
Minnesota goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair did the rest, making key stops to frustrate RSL's attack and secure all 3 points on the road.
For all the disappointment of the final score, RSL's revamped lineup offered glimpses of promise. Olatunji's energy up top, paired with newcomers, gave fans a first look at the club's future in attack.
Yedlin's debut brought much-needed stability on the wing, while veteran winger Johnny Russell returned to the starting lineup for the first time since July.
"The results haven't come yet, but the mentality in the locker room is strong," Yedlin said.
Fortunately for RSL, the schedule offers a small intermission. With no match next weekend, the club has time to regroup, train, and continue building chemistry among its new pieces.
"This break is going to be really important," Mastroeni said. "We've added quality players, but now it's about giving them the time to understand each other, build those connections, and turn it into consistency on the field."
The extra week of preparation could be vital as RSL heads into a critical stretch of the season, where every point matters in the playoff chase.
