Will Diego Luna Continue Impressive Form In Return To Real Salt Lake?

SALT LAKE CITY – The stock of recently signed Real Salt Lake attacking midfielder Diego Luna has skyrocketed following his success with the USA under-20 National Team at the Under-20 Concacaf Championships.

The USA prevailed as Champions for the third consecutive time with a 6-0 victory against the Dominican Republic in the final. Throughout the tournament, Luna starred as the attacking midfielder, showcasing his ability to play teammates in on goal while also being able to bury his own chances.

The Luna Incident pic.twitter.com/zfih6F1S2P

— scuffed (@scuffedpod) July 4, 2022

Luna ended the tournament with one goal and five assists. He was prolific on the ball, his composed manner was paramount to the success of the US in their attacking third. Luna was creative, explosive, and elegant as he danced around countless opponents throughout the tournament.

His lone goal came against Nicaragua in the Round of 16 when he converted from the penalty spot in the 56th minute. Two of the five assists for Luna came following beautifully weighted outside of the right boot through balls that his teammates were able to run onto before slotting home the strike.

Luna has caught the attention of soccer scouts and fans from around the world following his performance with the under-20 national team.

Now, he will return to Utah and begin training with Real Salt Lake as his club attempts to find better form following a scoreless draw at home and a 3-2 loss on the road against Minnesota.

Luna vs Domincan Republic u20 Final pic.twitter.com/rHGeVJc3XW

— Jack Stephen 🇺🇸🇮🇳 (@USMNTZ) July 4, 2022

Prior to the under-20 Concacaf Championships, Luna only spent a handful of weeks in Utah after being signed from El Paso Locomotive of the USL Championship. His only minutes for Real Salt Lake came in extra time against Vancouver on the road.

But Real Salt Lake is in need of some creative attacking play within the run of play, specifically in the middle of the pitch. Captain Damir Kreilach, who usually operates in the number 10 position, is recovering from back surgery and is not expected to return to full health until closer to the 2022 MLS Cup playoffs.

Luna has an opportunity to receive a lot of minutes throughout the second half of the 2022 season to prove his worth and at only 18 years of age may potentially prove to be the next big US star to attract the eyes of renowned European clubs in the near future.

Next RSL Match

Real Salt Lake will return home for a Rocky Mountain clash against Colorado Rapids on Saturday, July 9 with kick-off scheduled for 8 p.m.

The fixture will be available to stream for free via the KSL Sports and KSL 5 TV apps or on KSL Sports dot com.