Real Salt Lake will be missing attacking midfielder Diego Luna as the club kicks off Concacaf Champions Cup play Wednesday in Costa Rica.
Luna, who broke his nose while playing with the U.S. Men’s National Team last month, was not cleared in time to train fully for the match against C.S. Herediano, head coach Pablo Mastroeni said.
“He’s been training on the side in order to allow the nose to heal completely,” the coach said. “So basically doctor’s orders.”
The 21-year-old is expected to join the team this weekend in San Jose for RSL’s Major League Soccer season opener versus the Earthquakes.
RSL will also be missing at least two defenders on Wednesday.
Center back Philip Quinton is still recovering from a hamstring injury and defender Javain Brown is dealing with a visa issue, Mastroeni said.
Veteran Justen Glad suffered a minor knee injury over the weekend that could limit him as well.
“He’s looking good, but we just want to be really cautious with him given the amount of games we have early on and the importance of his leadership with the group,” Mastroeni said.
How to watch
Kickoff: Wednesday, 4:30 p.m. MT
Location: Estadio Nacional in San José, Costa Rica
Streaming: FS2, CONCACAF YouTube, VIX streaming service
Facing CS Herediano
The reigning Costa Rican champions will have a running start in this one.
While RSL is playing its first competitive match of the campaign, Herediano is already nine games into its season. Its three wins and three draws have the team at the top of the table once again.
“Whenever you play a champion, it sets a high standard,” RSL midfielder Emeka Eneli said. “We know it’s going to be a dogfight. It’s going to be a battle. We know we have to match their intensity and bring that same fight.”
RSL has faced Herediano twice before, losing 1-0 on the road and recording a scoreless draw at home in 2012.
RSL waives a veteran
Andrew Brody, who appeared in 133 games for RSL from 2021-24, was waived by the team on Tuesday.
The 29-year-old fullback was a product of the club’s youth academy. He had 11 assists and 97 starts during his RSL tenure.
“Andrew has been a model professional on and off the field during his long tenure with Real Salt Lake, at the Academy, Monarchs and MLS levels,” RSL Chief Soccer Officer Kurt Schmid said in a news release. “His hard work and commitment to the club have made him a joy to work with over the last decade-plus, and we wish Andrew the best of luck in future endeavors. His contributions to Utah soccer will not go unnoticed.”
