Wasatch Soccer Sentinel

Real Salt Lake's 2023 schedule has been released. Their slate of home fixtures include not one but two teams we've never seen play in Utah before, with St. Louis City SC (3/25) and Charlotte FC (4/8) both making their first trips to the RioT. As is expected, the schedule is heavy on Western Conference teams, but we'll see RSL face seven number of Eastern Conference (Charlotte, Columbus, NYCFC, DC, Toronto, Orlando, and RBNY).

If you've never travelled for an away game, it's always a good time. It's on opportunity to see new stadiums, explore difference cities, and support RSL on the road.

Here are my top five RSL games I recommend you check out this season:

Vancouver Whitecaps — 2/25

Real Salt Lake open their season on the road in Vancouver to take on the Whitecaps. RSL have been terrible at BC Place, where they've won just once 2019). However, Vancouver aren't a great team, and RSL have generally been the better side. To me, that stat is more coincidental than indicative of BC Place being a true fortress. Aside from wanting to see RSL as soon as possible, Vancouver is a fantastic city. It's beautiful, there is a ton to do, and it'll be peak ski season; Whistler is close by so you can hit the slopes as well.

DC United — 06/17

Audi Field is nearly five years old at this point, but it's still very much on my list to visit. It looks like a beautiful soccer venue, despite a few shortcomings. DC are an exciting team at the moment with English legend Wayne Rooney at the helm. Our nation's capital is rich with history, incredible museums, and beautiful momuments. June is the perfect time to visit because it hasn't gotten too hot yet and the humidity shouldn't be in full swing. If you're lucky and schedules align (the NWSL has yet to release their 2023 schedule), you might be able to catch the Washington Spirit, who are led by Trinity Rodman and Ashley Hatch.

Portland Timbers — 8/30

This is the away trip I've made the most (in part due to the fact I am from Oregon). But regardless of where you're from, Providence Park is one of the most unique stadiums in all of US soccer. A former minor league baseball stadium that's right downtown in Portland, it's surrounded by very fun city and the venue itself is filled with passionate soccer fans. The food/coffee/beer scene in Portland is excellent, and summer time in the Willamette Valley is beautiful. While you're there, be sure to drive through the Gorge and out to the coast (I recommend Cannon Beach).

Los Angeles FC — 10/1

LAFC have the best stadium in the league. I've only visited once, for an LAFC/LAG match, and it was one of the best soccer atmospheres I've ever experienced (sorry Camp Nou). Granted, RSL isn't the same kind of rival to them as the Galaxy, but the stadium itself should be what all new MLS stadiums try to emulate. Besides, who doesn't enjoy a trip to Southern California as things start to cool down in Utah?

Colorado Rapids — 10/21

RSL finish their season on the road. Having decision day in Colorado is perfect. While fans might hope RSL has secured a playoff spot long before this trip, the team's M.O. the last few seasons is to patiently wait until decision day to make the post season, and thus, keep us all on the edge of our seats. Dicks Sporting Goods Park is the closest stadium to Salt Lake and with decision day falling on a Saturday, this could be a quick weekend road trip (be sure to prepare both celebratory and emotionally devastated playlists).