Fidel Barajas Named to Team of the Matchday

Real Salt Lake midfielder Fidel Barajas was named to MLSsoccer.com’s Major League Soccer Team of the Matchday’s starting XI for Matchday 6. This is the 17-year-old’s first time being named to the TOTM starting XI. 

Barajas helped inspire RSL’s stunning second-half comeback in Vancouver on Saturday by providing his first two MLS assists in the Claret-and-Cobalt’s 2-1 win. Former RSL captain Damir Kreilach struck first for the Caps’, giving Vancouver the lead going into halftime. 

The tide changed in the second half with RSL starting to apply more pressure and in the 70’ minute, the Utah side found its breakthrough. Barajas slid a perfectly-placed pass into Anderson Julio, who tied the game up 1-1. Six minutes later, Barajas found Alexandros Katranis, also making his first MLS start, who did his best Ally Sentnor impression, opening his RSL account in incredible fashion and completing the comeback. 

Barajas put the league on notice during his first MLS start. The youngster almost scored his first goal in MLS twice, but twice being denied by the woodwork. With mentor Diego Luna away with the U.S. Men’s Olympic National Team, Head Coach Pablo Mastroeni decided it was time to give Barajas his first start after impressing in preseason, and his trust was rewarded handsomely. 

After winning the USL Championship Young Player of the Year award in 2023, Barajas joined Real Salt Lake ahead of the Club’s 2024 campaign. He made his MLS debut back during RSL’s first match of the season against Inter Miami, lining up against Lionel Messi and ticking off another goal of his in his already impressive young career.

Now after Vancouver, Barajas will have to get out a sharpie again, and check off first MLS assist and first MLS Team of the Matchday appearance. Not bad for a 17-year-old. Especially one who became just the sixth at that age or younger in MLS’ 29-year history with a multi-assist game, joining Bobby Convey, Santino Quaranta, Alphonso Davies, Cade Cowell and Freddy Adu.

You won’t want to miss out on Barajas and Co. this Saturday  when RSL returns to America First Field to face St. Louis CITY SC. Tickets are still available:

Below is MLSsoccer.com’s full Team of the Matchday for Matchday 6 organized in a 3-4-3 formation. 

F: Lewis Morgan (RBNY), Dante Vanzeir (RBNY), Julián Carranza (PHI)

M: Fidel Barajas (RSL), Eduard Atuesta (LAFC), Mark Delgado (LA), Dénis Bouanga (LAFC)

D: Brad Smith (HOU), Matt Miazga (CIN), Tyrese Spicer (TOR)

GK: Oliver Semmle (PHI)

Coach: Jim Curtin (PHI)

Bench: John McCarthy (LA), Josh Yaro (STL), Ashley Westwood (CLT), Luciano Acosta (CIN), Riqui Puig (LA), Federico Bernardeschi (TOR), Cristian Espinoza (SJ), Christian Benteke (DC), Jack Lynn (ORL)