Latest news with #DiegoLuna
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
RSL concedes another late goal in 1-1 draw at Austin
AUSTIN (ABC4 Sports) – For the second straight week, Real Salt Lake gave up a goal in the final minutes, but this time RSL was able to earn one point in a 1-1 draw at Austin FC Wednesday night. RSL scored its first goal of the season off of a set piece when Diego Luna's free kick found Willy Agada, who headed in his first goal with Real Salt Lake in the 67th minute. Advertisement It appeared Real would be able to take the full three points, but in the 93rd minute, Diego Rubio headed in a pass from Žan Kolmanič to tie the game at one. RSL (4-9-3, 15 points) continued its streak without a win that has grown to six contests, dating to a 3-1 decision on the road vs. San Diego FC on April 26. Vancouver erases 2-goal deficit in 3-2 win over RSL 'They were sending seven guys in the box, and we just didn't execute on one of them the right way,' said RSL head coach Pablo Mastroeni. 'Unfortunately, it just takes one moment in football, and we were really unfortunate we weren't able to come away with the three points.' Advertisement Real Salt Lake surrendered a goal in the 89th minute on Saturday in a 3-2 loss to Vancouver. Austin ended up with four shots on goal to three for RSL, with three of the Verde's chances coming in the final seven minutes. Austin had the match's first scoring chance in the 22nd minute when Osman Bukari worked hard to get the ball deep into the zone before passing to Brandon Vazquez, whose header clanged off the crossbar and out of harm's way. RSL's Pablo Ruiz tested Stuver in the 26th minute with a low percentage shot from just outside the box that the Austin keeper gobbled up. The Verde's Jon Gallagher countered with his team's first shot on goal in the 31st minute, challenging Rafael Cabral with a left-footed shot that was easily saved. Advertisement The sides combined for 12 shots in the first half, seven of them by the visitors, and each produced just one shot on goal. Step By Step: Diego Luna's steady rise earns USMNT Gold Cup call-up 'I think it's a really good performance to build on,' Mastroeni said. 'I think they're rallying around the the difficult moments, the suffering that we're going through, and still performing away from home at a really, really high level.' RSL next heads to L.A. to battle the Galaxy Saturday night at 8:30 p.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Step By Step: Diego Luna's steady rise earns USMNT Gold Cup call-up
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Diego Luna is taking another step forward in a journey defined not by viral moments or hype, but by trust earned. The 21-year-old Real Salt Lake midfielder has been named to the U.S. Men's National Team roster for the upcoming warm-up matches ahead of this summer's CONCACAF Gold Cup. The group is expected to become the official tournament squad when the final roster is submitted on June 4, barring injury or unforeseen circumstances. Advertisement It's a deserved recognition of what he's becoming: a dependable, dynamic contributor who continues to show up when it matters. This isn't a story of 'making it.' Luna would likely be the first to say that. It's about proving that he can be counted on—and about continuing to build trust within U.S. Soccer at the highest level. Diego Luna of the USMNT sports gauze to stop the blood flow of a nose break early against Costa Rica. (Photo by Roy K Miller/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images for USSF) Luna's 2024 MLS campaign with RSL forced national team staff to pay attention. With eight goals and 12 assists, he was a creative engine for one of the league's most surprising teams, earning MLS All-Star and MLS Young Player of the Year honors and consistently drawing plaudits for his vision, technique, and balance under pressure. Advertisement That form led to another senior national team call-up in January, where he made an instant impression. In a match against Costa Rica, Luna suffered a broken nose from a wayward elbow, then begged to stay on as a team physician fervently worked to staunch the flow of blood from his nose. With (then newly appointed) USMNT Manager Mauricio Pochettino's reluctant permission, Diego charged back into the fray with cotton wadding protruding from each nostril, immediately delivered an assist, and left little doubt about his commitment. The message to USMNT staff and the soccer world in general was loud and clear: he's not just flashy. He's reliable. He's a warrior. He belongs. 'Utah just really stood out': Utah Royals defender Alex Loera talks transfer to the Beehive State Advertisement When Diego Luna first arrived at RSL, fans quickly fell in love with his flair. His first touch, quick turns, and vision made him one of the most exciting young players in MLS. But breaking into the starting XI wasn't immediate. Minutes were sporadic, and while the talent was obvious, the trust from the coaching staff had to be earned. Luna's path to this moment hasn't been linear, but it's always led upward. He started playing at age three with Palo Alto Soccer Club, coached by his dad and oldest brother. From there, he spent time in the San Jose Earthquakes Academy, then made a bold move away from his family at age 15 to the Barça Residency Academy in Arizona. At 17, he turned professional with El Paso Locomotive FC in the USL Championship under coach Mark Lowry — now with Real Monarchs — before signing with RSL in June of 2022. That willingness to bet on himself, to take each next step with intention, has been a defining trait. Then came the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina — a turning point. Advertisement Before leaving for Argentina, where he delivered a breakout performance for the United States, Luna spoke on the 'Royal Riot Podcast' about how he views his journey: 'For me personally and my mentality,' he said, 'I'm the guy making my way up the ranks, step by step, going up the staircase.' Luna, known affectionately as 'Moon Boy' for his surname but also his style of play, dazzled everyone who watched the U.S. squad in Argentina, racking up goals, assists, and drawing global attention. More importantly, something clicked internally. On a follow-up appearance on Royal Riot Podcast after he returned to Utah, Luna spoke candidly about where he was before the tournament and what changed: (Photo by) 'I was lacking confidence,' Luna stated bluntly. 'I underestimated myself in a lot of categories. Going to the World Cup showed me that I should be very confident—that I need to have the confidence and know that I can do what I'm asked of, with RSL and with the National Team. I need to keep my head down and work—just play the game. Giving the fans a show and creating chances for my team—that's the thing I love and what I play for.' Advertisement Since that return, Luna has evolved from a promising prospect into a complete, game-in-game-out contributor. RSL Head Coach Pablo Mastroeni, a U.S. World Cup veteran himself, has seen that evolution up close. 'Look back to Luna when he first got here—hesitant to work defensively for the team, he was a really one-sided player,' Mastroeni said. 'He's now doubled down on his work, become our best defender from the front and scores all the goals for our team. It's a beautiful place from a coaching perspective to have players that are willing to work really hard for the team, work really hard for themselves, and then they end up making the difference in their lives — no one else does.' That trust — between player and coach, and now between player and national team — is what's made this Gold Cup call-up possible. Advertisement Cabral saving games in first season with RSL That evolution has translated into more frequent and meaningful looks from U.S. Soccer, first under Gregg Berhalter in a January 2024 friendly against Slovenia and then under Pochettino this past January, and now in a tournament setting with this summer's Gold Cup squad. It's the last competitive tournament the U.S. will play in before the 2026 World Cup. In a tournament built for testing depth and evaluating trust, Luna will once again be able to prove that he belongs. Luna's international status became a talking point after he was controversially left off the U.S. Olympic roster in 2024. Some speculated he might switch his international allegiance to Mexico because he felt disrespected by the USMNT. Advertisement But Luna never said that. In fact, since arriving in MLS, his stance has been consistent: he's always been open to representing either country and willing to speak with whoever calls. There's never been drama—only dedication. 'It's something you want to work for,' Luna said at a crossbar challenge last fall when asked about the possibility of both nations vying for his presence. 'Continue to play and get the eyes on us, and from there, you let God and fate decide what happens, who is going to pull the trigger for you, and who will give the best opportunity.' This call-up isn't a political move or a reactionary olive branch. It's the natural result of a career built on showing up, improving, and making an impact. Advertisement Now Luna's climbing another step. If he delivers again, he'll push himself further into the 2026 World Cup conversation. Not as a long shot or luxury pick, but as a legitimate option in the U.S. player pool. (Images courtesy: John Dorton and Robin Alam via Getty Images) 'It's exciting to be in that group,' Luna said after training on Wednesday. 'It's another big opportunity for me to prove myself and showcase myself. (I'm going to be) taking advantage of each opportunity I get, leading into the 2026 World Cup.' Because for all the undeniable talent and eye-catching flair that Diego Luna brings to the pitch, it's his ability to be counted on when the going gets tough — over 90 minutes, over a season, over multiple camps — that sets him apart. Advertisement The Gold Cup will offer a new challenge, but also a new opportunity. The tournament will feature moments that require tactical maturity, physical resilience, and emotional control—all qualities he's shown in growing doses. Ariath Piol talks goals, red cards, and his journey to RSL Ask him what he wants to accomplish in this camp, and Luna shares not vague ambitions, but concrete goals. 'Getting as much playing time as I can would be the number one thing,' Luna said. 'Getting starts. Earning the trust in the pre-camp. Just making sure that I'm there day in and day out, giving it my all, and producing for the team. Getting assists and creating chances for the team and hopefully scoring my first goal.' Advertisement But he's also not getting ahead of himself. Luna's not interested in speculating about playing in the World Cup because he knows he's gotten where he is by staying in the moment. 'The 2026 squad thing, it's not in my head right now,' Luna said. 'I'm focused on here at RSL right now, and when the time comes to go with the U.S., that's where I'm focused. So it's kind of- focus on what you're doing on that day.' In a setting with the USMNT that often reveals who's ready for more responsibility, Luna will get to show the same thing he's shown since he was three years old: when he's on the field, he belongs. For 'Moon Boy' the sky has never been the limit- it's just the next step. Latest headlines: Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Real Salt Lake closes out road swing against winless defending MLS champions LA Galaxy
SANDY, Utah (ABC4) — Real Salt Lake will look to snap a six-match winless streak on Saturday night as they face off against the reigning MLS Cup champions, the LA Galaxy, at Dignity Health Sports Park. RSL aims to rebound after late collapse in Austin Wednesday's 1-1 draw at Austin FC was another frustrating result for Real Salt Lake, who led until injury time before conceding on a corner kick header. The draw extended their winless streak to six matches (0W-3D-3L) and left the team searching for answers heading into the final leg of a tough road stretch. Diego Luna leads Real Salt Lake attack Midfielder Diego Luna continues to shine, leading the team with 8 goals and 4 assists. He bagged both goals the last time RSL faced the Galaxy in a 2-0 victory at America First Field. Advertisement Additional contributions have come from Dominic Marczuk and Diogo Gonçalves (1 goal, 2 assists each), while new arrival Willy Agada netted his first RSL goal in Austin off a Diego Luna free kick. Homegrown striker Zavier Gozo also opened his account recently with a goal against Vancouver. RSL injury report and player updates RSL will be without midfielder and captain Emeka Eneli for at least the next several weeks due to a foot injury. 2024 MLS All Star center back Justen Glad will miss at least the Galaxy match after suffering a concussion midweek against Austin FC. Designated Player Diogo Gonçalves, recently back in training from a heel issue, did not travel with the team after head coach Pablo Mastroeni expressed disappointment in his training performance. He remains in Utah to continue his recovery. LA Galaxy still searching for first win of 2025 The defending MLS Cup champions are enduring a nightmarish title defense. LA Galaxy are winless through 16 matches (0W-4D-12L), most recently falling 1-0 at home to San Jose Earthquakes. Despite their struggles, the Galaxy still feature high-profile attackers like Christian Ramirez (4 goals, 1 assist), Marco Reus (3 goals, 4 assists), and Diego Fagundez (3 goals)—all capable of punishing mistakes. Advertisement Kickoff is set for 8:30 p.m. MT at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. The match will be broadcast on Apple TV+ via MLS Season Pass. Bonus Match: Real Monarchs vs Ventura County FC Real Monarchs, RSL's MLS NEXT Pro affiliate, will also be in Southern California this weekend, taking on Ventura County FC (LA Galaxy's NEXT Pro side) on Sunday at 8 p.m. MT. The match will be held at William Rolland Stadium in Thousand Oaks, CA, and stream live on Apple TV+. For more coverage of Real Salt Lake, Real Monarchs, and Utah Royals FC, tune in to the Royal Riot Podcast, available on and all major streaming platforms. Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
Associated Press
5 days ago
- General
- Associated Press
LA Galaxy seek first victory of the season, host Real Salt Lake
Real Salt Lake (4-9-3, 13th in the Western Conference) vs. LA Galaxy (0-12-4, 16th in the Western Conference) Carson, California; Saturday, 10:30 p.m. EDT BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Los Angeles +114, Real Salt Lake +208, Draw +263; over/under is 2.5 goals BOTTOM LINE: The LA Galaxy seek their first win of the season when they host Real Salt Lake. The Galaxy are 0-9-4 against Western Conference teams. The Galaxy rank seventh in the Western Conference drawing 80 corner kicks, averaging 5.0 per game. RSL is 4-8-3 against Western Conference teams. RSL ranks ninth in the Western Conference with 56 shots on goal, averaging 3.5 per game. The matchup Saturday is the second meeting this season between the two teams. RSL won the last game 2-0. TOP PERFORMERS: Christian Ramirez has scored four goals and added one assist for the Galaxy. Marco Reus has three goals and three assists over the past 10 games. Diego Luna has eight goals and two assists for RSL. Zavier Gozo has one goal over the last 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Galaxy: 0-8-2, averaging 0.8 goals, 3.2 shots on goal and 5.4 corner kicks per game while allowing 2.4 goals per game. RSL: 2-5-3, averaging 1.1 goals, 3.2 shots on goal and 4.5 corner kicks per game while allowing 1.2 goals per game. NOT EXPECTED TO PLAY: Galaxy: Riqui Puig (injured). RSL: Kobi Joseph Henry (injured), Matthew Bell (injured), Emeka Eneli (injured), Javain Brown (injured), Diogo Goncalves (injured), Zac MacMath (injured). ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Los Angeles Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
For Diego Luna, ‘Andor' isn't about the future, but about the past
'Andor' star, Diego Luna, talks about the show's very modern, but historical, themes and how important it was for him to tell a story that meant something.
