Goal and Tribute

Real Salt Lake forward Diogo Gonçalves scored in the 43rd minute during his team`s home game against St. Louis FC. Receiving the ball on the left wing, he cut inside and curled a powerful shot into the net on Saturday night. After scoring, Gonçalves immediately ran towards the corner flag, sat down, mimicked playing a video game, and then pointed to the sky. This goal celebration was performed in tribute to the late Liverpool star Diogo Jota, who passed away earlier this month in a car accident and was known to be a keen player of the FC 25 football video game.

Shared History and Impact

This tribute carries particular significance as Gonçalves and Jota shared a connection, having represented Portugal together at the U20 national team level between 2016 and 2017. Jota`s sudden death in a car crash on July 3, alongside his brother André Silva, sent shockwaves through the football community globally, particularly affecting Portuguese players worldwide.

Looking Ahead

Following their 3-2 victory over St. Louis FC, Real Salt Lake have moved up to 12th position in the Western Conference standings. Their next fixture is a home match against the Houston Dynamo, scheduled for July 12.