Real Salt Lake Climbs MLS Standings With Comeback Win Over San Jose
Real Salt Lake made a strong statement Saturday night, bouncing back from a recent loss and climbing into playoff position with a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over the San Jose Earthquakes. The match, held at America First Field in Sandy, Utah, had everything you'd want—goals, drama, and a clutch finish.
The breakthrough moment came in the 81st minute, when Braian Ojeda, a midfielder not usually known for his goal-scoring, netted his first of the season. After receiving a pass around 30 yards from goal, Ojeda surged forward and unleashed a low-driven shot from just outside the box. The ball deflected off San Jose goalkeeper Daniel’s gloves and bounced into the net, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. It was a moment of redemption and elevation for Real Salt Lake, who had been trailing earlier in the match.
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San Jose actually struck first, not long after halftime. In the 51st minute, former RSL striker Cristian Arango—while tumbling toward the end line—delivered a sharp first-touch cross that found Josef MartÃnez in front of goal. MartÃnez dove in with a powerful header that left no chance for RSL keeper Rafael Cabral. The visitors took a 1-0 lead, and for a moment, it looked like Salt Lake’s playoff hopes might stall.
But just six minutes later, RSL found their equalizer—albeit in unexpected fashion. On a counterattack, Diogo Gonçalves whipped in a low cross that wasn’t handled well by the Earthquakes' defense. San Jose’s Jamar Ricketts unfortunately redirected it into his own net, bringing the match level at 1-1.
Tensions ran high late in the game. San Jose's Reid Roberts received two yellow cards—one in stoppage time of the first half and another in the 84th minute—leading to a red card and leaving his team a man down. RSL took full advantage, controlling possession with nearly 60% of the ball, and eventually finding the match-winner through Ojeda’s strike.
With this result, Real Salt Lake improves to 9-11-4, vaulting them from 10th to 8th place in the Western Conference—just inside the playoff line. Meanwhile, the Earthquakes, now winless in six straight, fall to 10th. Both teams had 10 shots, and both goalkeepers made a pair of saves, but it was Salt Lake’s grit and momentum that ultimately tipped the scale.
Next up for RSL: a break from league play as they host three Leagues Cup matches, beginning with a clash against Mexico’s Club América. It’s a chance to build more confidence and keep the playoff push alive.
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