NASHVILLE, TN — The Real Salt Lake finally broke through on Matchday 6, defeating Nashville SC 4-1 at Geodis Park to secure their first victory of the season. After opening with two losses and three draws, RSL found their edge behind a standout performance from Johnny Russell, who recorded a hat trick — his first goals of the campaign.

Manager Íñigo Pérez praised his side’s response.

“We’ve stayed calm through the early frustration,” Pérez said. “The performances were improving even when the results weren’t. Tonight, the finishing matched the effort. This is the level we expect from ourselves.”

For Nashville, the defeat was their fourth of the season, leaving them near the bottom of the Eastern Conference with four points. Hany Mukhtar is still searching for his first goal, and defensive struggles persist, with the club conceding 10 goals in six matches for a -7 goal difference.