Nick Rimando took the pitcher's mound Friday instead of standing between the posts, but the result was familiar territory for the former Real Salt Lake goalkeeper: a loss he could laugh about.

The National Soccer Hall of Famer led a celebrity squad against the Salt Lake City Fire Department in a kickball game at Smith's Ballpark on Friday, July 24, as part of Salt Lake City's annual "Pie and Beer Day" Pioneer Day festivities. The firefighters won 8-6, avenging their loss to Rimando's team in last year's matchup.

Salt Lake City Fire team captain Johnny Hill made no secret of his squad's motivation before the game, telling FOX 13 they were "ready to kick their butts this year."

For Rimando, pitching kickball stirred something deeper than a holiday diversion.

"I really like pitching and just being on my toes," Rimando told FOX 13. "It brings back some memories being in goal on the field and having some fans around and just enjoying the moment."

The 13-year RSL veteran, who retired in 2019 holding MLS records for career saves (1,712), wins (223), shutouts (154), and games played (514), was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame on Saturday, May 3, 2025, in Frisco, Texas. He played 369 of his 514 career starts in Sandy at what is now America First Field, anchoring the club's lone MLS Cup championship in 2009.

Since retiring, Rimando has stayed close to the organization, serving as goalkeeper coach for the RSL Academy from 2021 to 2023 before moving to a similar role with Real Monarchs in March 2024.

Rimando said the Pioneer Day celebration reminded him why community events matter.

"It's like the Fourth of July just for Utah, and how important it is," he said. "That brings people together, and everyone is here having fun."

RSL heads to Portland

While Rimando enjoyed the holiday, Real Salt Lake was set to visit the Portland Timbers on Saturday, July 25, at Providence Park with kickoff at 8:30 p.m. MT on Apple TV.

RSL entered the match coming off a 3-1 loss at LAFC on Wednesday, July 22. The Timbers' official matchday preview listed attackers Diego Luna and Zavier Gozo among RSL's key players, with forward Sergi Solans pacing the club at six goals in 15 games and the team carrying a +5 goal differential on the season.

After Portland, RSL travels to Saint Louis City SC on Saturday, August 1, before returning home to face Minnesota United FC on Saturday, August 15.