The 2017 Major League Soccer season was Real Salt Lake's 13th year in the league. The club experienced a turbulent campaign, highlighted by a head coaching change just three games into the schedule when Jeff Cassar was dismissed and eventually replaced by Mike Petke. Undergoing a significant roster overhaul focused on youth, the team finished 7th in the Western Conference, narrowly missing the MLS Cup Playoffs. Albert Rusnák emerged as a key playmaker, leading the team with 12 assists.