Diego Luna
RSL
RW (LW)
Half-Space Orchestrator
Sep 7, 2003 (22)
Right
5'8"
187 lb
Real Salt LakeGets assist thanks to pinpoint header
Luna assisted once to go with two shots (zero on goal), 10 crosses (one accurate) and five corners in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Minnesota United.
Analysis: Luna's perfect header set up Real Salt Lake's first goal after a bad pass in Minnesota's defensive third but that was his lone brilliant moment. Of his 10 crosses, only one was considered accurate. He will need to be better if RSL want to take advantage of a FC Dallas defense which has been shaky. FC Dallas has conceded 25 goals in 18 games ahead of their match on Sunday against Austin FC.
Scores in return from injury
Luna scored once and played the full game in Wednesday's 4-1 friendly win over Burnley, confirming he is back fit from his injury.
Analysis: Luna's return to action and immediate impact on the scoresheet is an encouraging sign after a muscle injury sidelined him for multiple matches before the World Cup break, an issue that had cost Real Salt Lake a reliable offensive threat who scored four goals and one assist over a seven game stretch before going down. Getting back on the field and finding the net right away suggests he has put the injury fully behind him, positioning him to regain a featured role in the attack once MLS action resumes for Salt Lake against LAFC on July 22.
Remains unavailable
Luna is ruled out of the squad for Saturday's clash against Minnesota United.
Analysis: Luna will miss his second straight game having yet to recover from the muscle injury he picked up recently. Aiden Hezarkhani is likely to continue seeing increased minutes and set piece opportunities in his absence.
Absent with muscle issue
Luna missed Saturday's match against Colorado Rapids while dealing with muscle tightness.
Analysis: Luna was initially excluded from the injury report, but he apparently felt discomfort shortly before the match. This issue left Real Salt Lake without a reliable offensive threat, who had scored four goals and one assist over his previous seven league games. He'll push to return in upcoming fixtures, but otherwise Aiden Hezarkhani might continue to see increased minutes and set pieces.
Lone goal scored
Luna scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal), four crosses (zero accurate) and three corners in Saturday's 3-1 defeat versus FC Dallas. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 46th minute.
Analysis: Luna recorded the only goal for Salt Lake during the loss to Dallas on Saturday. His form has improved of late with four goals with an assist in just the last six appearances, creating 22 chances in that span.
Doubles lead on Saturday
Luna scored one goal to go with four shots (three on goal), five crosses (two accurate) and four corners in Saturday's 2-0 victory over Portland Timbers.
Analysis: Luna doubled the lead with an assist from Juan Sanabria following a great one-two play. He created an impressive 10 chances but ended the game without an assist, largely due to the brilliance of James Pantemis. Luna has now contributed to four goals in his last five games.
Two shots in loss
Luna registered two shots (zero on goal) and three chances created in Wednesday's 2-0 defeat against Inter Miami CF. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 58th minute.
Analysis: Luna took two shots but the bigger story was the the three chances he created. The volume was excellent throughout the match, but Luna and Real Salt Lake just couldn't seem to apply the finishing touch. He will need better finishing around him to get back among the goals in the coming weeks.
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