Utah sports notebook: Gozo the first Utahn to be named MLS All-Star
BYU's Bruce Branch helps US win U18 basketball silver
Tyler Tate, Associated Press
Real Salt Lake midfielder Zavier Gozo, right, knocks a ball down near by Inter Miami's Germán Berterame (19) during an MLS match on April 22, 2026, in Sandy.Real Salt Lake will have a starter in next month’s MLS All-Star Game, and, for the first time, it’s a Utah native representing the league.
Zavier Gozo, a native of West Valley City and RSL’s 19-year-old striker, was voted to the MLS First XI, the league announced Friday.
Selected through a combined vote of MLS fans, players and media members, Gozo will join stars like Lionel Messi (Inter Miami CF) and Son Heung-Min (LAFC), and fellow breakout talents like Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire FC).
“It’s pretty cool to be the first-ever Utah player to be named an All-Star in MLS,” Gozo said in a news release. “I’m very grateful to all the fans, players and media across the league for recognizing me with this prestigious honor.”
Gozo has six goals and five assists in 14 matches so far this season.
The MLS All-Star Game pits the MLS against All-Stars from Mexico’s top pro league, Liga MX. The game is set for July 29 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Additional players will be selected as reserves later.
“I look forward to hopefully having a few of my RSL teammates join me in Charlotte, and I’ll be very excited to get back on the field and get things going again later this summer,” Gozo said.
BYU’s Branch, Team USA take silver at U18 AmeriCup
Canada edged the United States 67-65 in the championship game on Sunday evening at Dome de la Feria in Leon, Mexico, to claim the FIBA U18 AmeriCup title.
Incoming BYU freshman Bruce Branch III averaged 8.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.0 blocks per game. The United States advanced to the gold-medal game for the 10th straight AmeriCup, a biannual tournament that helps decide who plays for the FIBA World Cup.
The U.S. advances to the FIBA U19 World Cup next summer in Czechia.
Branch had six points, four rebounds and two steals in the final. Uncommitted 2027 center Darius Wabbington led the United States with 11 points. Uncommitted 2027 point guard Javion Tyndale led Canada with 19 points and eight assists.
