Real Salt Lake Midfielder DOMINIK MARCZUK (11) beats San Jose Earthquakes Defender OSCAR VERHOEVEN (33) down the wing during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder DOMINIK MARCZUK (11) streaks down the sideline during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder BRAIAN OJEDA (6) awaits a corner kick during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Defender JAVAIN BROWN (91) looks for a teammate during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder DOMINIK MARCZUK (11) cuts the ball near the side of the penalty box during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender PAUL MARIE (3) attempts to block a shot from Real Salt Lake Midfielder DOMINIK MARCZUK (11) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder ANDERSON JULIO (29) works the ball around the midfield during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder ANDERSON JULIO (29) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder ANDERSON JULIO (29) protects the ball with pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Defender PAUL MARIE (3) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder ANDERSON JULIO (29) cuts the ball away from San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder NIKO TSAKIRIS (30) and San Jose Earthquakes Defender PAUL MARIE (3) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder ANDERSON JULIO (29) attempts to get around San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder JACKSON YUEILL (14) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender OSCAR VERHOEVEN (33) clears the ball with pressure from Real Salt Lake Midfielder NELSON PALACIO (13) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender OSCAR VERHOEVEN (33) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder BRAIAN OJEDA (6) crosses the ball away from pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder HERNÁN LÓPEZ (23) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Defender JAVAIN BROWN (91) crosses the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Forward DIOGO GONCALVES (10) controls a ball at the top of the penalty box during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender RODRIGUES (26) strips the ball from Real Salt Lake Forward DIOGO GONCALVES (10) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder HERNÁN LÓPEZ (23) puts pressure on Real Salt Lake Defender JUSTEN GLAD (15) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder HERNÁN LÓPEZ (23) and Real Salt Lake Defender JUSTEN GLAD (15) battle for the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Defender ALEXANDROS KATRANIS (98) points to where he wants his teammate under pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Defender CARLOS AKAPO (29) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Defender ALEXANDROS KATRANIS (98) controls the ball near the touchline during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender CARLOS AKAPO (29) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender OSCAR VERHOEVEN (33) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder BRAIAN OJEDA (6) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder BRAIAN OJEDA (6) crosses the ball away from pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder HERNÁN LÓPEZ (23) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder DIEGO LUNA (8) looks for options around San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder NIKO TSAKIRIS (30) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder CRISTIAN ESPINOZA (10) and Real Salt Lake Defender PHILIP QUINTON (26) battle for the ball near the touchline during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder NIKO TSAKIRIS (30) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Forward CRISTIAN CHICHO ARANGO (9) shoots with San Jose Earthquakes Goalkeeper DANIEL (42) diving and San Jose Earthquakes Defender RODRIGUES (26) signaling offside during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder ANDERSON JULIO (29) receives a yellow card from referee MARK ALLATIN during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder HERNÁN LÓPEZ (23) cuts the ball back during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder NIKO TSAKIRIS (30) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder HERNÁN LÓPEZ (23) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder NIKO TSAKIRIS (30) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder JACK SKAHAN (16) charges the ball against Real Salt Lake Defender ALEXANDROS KATRANIS (98) and Real Salt Lake Midfielder MATT CROOKS (25) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaA shot from Real Salt Lake Midfielder DIEGO LUNA (8) has San Jose Earthquakes Goalkeeper DANIEL (42) diving for the ball headed into the corner of the net during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender CARLOS AKAPO (29) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward PRESTON JUDD (19) passes the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward AMAHL PELLIGRINO (9) looks for options against Real Salt Lake Defender JUSTEN GLAD (15) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward PRESTON JUDD (19) shoots during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, California
MEDIA RELEASE:
Oct. 5, 2024
MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 0, Real Salt Lake 1
San Jose edged in second half to close 2024 home slate; Quakes end season on road vs. LAFC on Oct. 19
SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes fell to Real Salt Lake 1-0 on Saturday night at PayPal Park in front of 16,322 fans to close their 2024 Major League Soccer home schedule.
After a scoreless first half, the visitors appeared to score first in the 56th minute, but substitute Chicho Arango was ruled offside. At the hour mark, Rodrigues almost propelled San Jose into the lead, but his header was just wide. Five minutes later, Arango stayed dangerous, launching a deep attempt that was parried away at the last moment by Quakes goalkeeper Daniel. In the 70th minute, Dominik Marczuk’s header at the far post hit the crossbar and bounced out of harm’s way.
However, in minute 78, RSL midfielder Diego Luna’s left-footed shot at the edge of the box found the back of the net to give the visitors the lead. San Jose forward Preston Judd nearly had an equalizer in minute 90 but goalkeeper Zac MacMath batted it away.
The Quakes complete their 2024 MLS season on Saturday, Oct. 19, when they travel to Los Angeles to face Los Angeles Football Club. Kickoff from BMO Stadium will take place at 7:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast globally on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV (English/Spanish), as well as on local radio via AM 810 The Spread (English) and AM 1370 La Kaliente (Spanish).
GAME NOTES
The Quakes moved to 16-15-12 (57 GF, 62 GA) against Real Salt Lake in MLS regular-season competition, including a 10-7-5 (36 GF, 28 GA) record at home.
San Jose split the season series with Real Salt Lake after defeating them 2-0 in Utah on Aug. 24. The Quakes also saw their two-game unbeaten home streak against RSL snapped after drawing 2-2 with them in 2022 and beating them 2-1 last year.
The Quakes celebrated 50 years with Krazy George, who has been leading cheers since the club’s first match in 1974. The first 5,000 fans through the gates received a Krazy George wig courtesy of Habbas Law.
Cristian Espinoza extended his run of consecutive MLS regular-season games played to a current league-high of 108 (Oct. 2, 2021 – present). The streak is not only a Quakes record but tied for fifth longest in MLS history. He now stands equal with Darlington Nagbe (May 1, 2021 – Apr. 6, 2024) in the all-time annals and second among all field players. Espinoza can pass Nagbe in the season finale on Oct. 19 in a road contest vs. LAFC. Goalkeeper Luis Robles holds the league record with 183 straight appearances (Sept. 29, 2012 – May 12, 2018).
San Jose Earthquakes 0 – 1 Real Salt Lake
Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024 – PayPal Park, San Jose, Calif.
Weather: 84°F Clear
Attendance: 16,322
Match Officials:
Referee: Mark Allatin
AR1: Matthew Nelson
AR2: Kevin Lock
4th: Malik Badawi
VAR: Luis Guardia
AVAR: Jonathan Johnson
Scoring Summary:
RSL (0-1) – Diego Luna (Braian Ojeda) 78’
Misconduct Summary:
RSL – Alexandros Katranis (caution) 45’
RSL – Anderson Julio (caution) 53’
RSL – Zac MacMath (caution) 85’
RSL – Justen Glad (caution) 90+5’
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Daniel; Oscar Verhoeven (Vítor Costa 75’), Tanner Beason, Rodrigues, Carlos Akapo; Niko Tsakiris (Preston Judd 81’), Jackson Yueill (Alfredo Morales 75’), Hernán López; Paul Marie (Amahl Pellegrino 63’), Cristian Espinoza, Jeremy Ebobisse (Jack Skahan 63’).
Substitutes not used: William Yarbrough (GK), Daniel Munie, Tommy Thompson, Bruno Wilson.
“Niko [Tsakiris] and Jackson [Yueill] broke the lines decently well, but I felt like after that, we didn’t have a lot of tempo change to get in behind them. I think Salt Lake does a pretty good job. They press pretty well, but I actually liked some of the combination plays with Niko, Hernán [López] and Jackson. But I think we were missing that next step to create a big chance.”
On the lone goal of the game:
“It was a really good strike by [Diego] Luna. Good player. They had some chances early on, and then most of their chances came from outside the box. Unfortunately, that one went in. They did hit the crossbar and one back post header. But if you look at the chances, we didn’t have a lot, but we had two really big chances. One with Rodrigues’ header that normally, he can put those away, six yards out, seven yards out, and then Preston Judd had a late one. So that’s a little frustrating. I thought Salt Lake was pretty good tonight. But chance-wise, most of them were outside the box. They did have some really early on in the game. For six minutes they were on this, but I thought we dealt with it pretty well, and it was a good strike.”
On looking ahead to the season finale vs. LAFC:
“Sometimes you’re going to win; sometimes you’re going to lose. What really gets me is if a player is not working hard enough, and for the most part, this group works hard, that’s going to be a big test. LAFC is very good, and they’re still playing for positions in the standings. We do match up pretty well against them. We beat them already this season. so just go down there, play good football, defend well, look at their chances and try to hurt them.”
EARTHQUAKES FORWARD PAUL MARIE
On areas of improvement for next season:
“We are going into the offseason after the next game. I think there’s always areas of the game to improve. Individually, everybody will be able to do their thing. I’ll do my thing. I’ll like to work on the physicality, on being more fit, on being more sharp on the ball. I’ll do all of this, and I’ll work with the coaches on it.”
On transitioning from defender to the forward position late in the season:
“I see myself competing for that position. I think I’ve shown defensively that I can help a lot. You have someone who’s completely acting on the job of doing his defensive part and helping the team. I can definitely get sharper in the final third and help a lot more, but I see myself competing in that.”
On the fans sticking with the team throughout the campaign:
“We have a lot of respect for the people who stayed with us the whole season. We’ve been very lucky to have the support we’ve been having with the stadium and all the fans coming to see us. They pay to come see us, so we have a lot of respect for that. We would love to give them a lot more than what we have been giving them. But we just love their support all year long, and hopefully next year we can give them a little bit more.”
San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder JUDSON (93) dribbles away from Real Salt Lake Midfielder DAMIR KREILACH (8) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder MAIKEL CHANG (16) tries to catch San Jose Earthquakes Defender MARCOS LÓPEZ (27) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder MAIKEL CHANG (16) dribbles with San Jose Earthquakes Defender MARCOS LÓPEZ (27) defending and San Jose Earthquakes Head Coach MATIAS ALMEYDA giving his team instruction behind during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder ALBERT RUSNÁK (11) dribbles across the field with San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder ERIC REMEDI (5) and San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder JAVIER “CHOFIS” LÓPEZ (9) trying to catch him during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder JAVIER “CHOFIS” LÓPEZ (9) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder JAVIER “CHOFIS” LÓPEZ (9) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder JAVIER “CHOFIS” LÓPEZ (9) and Real Salt Lake Midfielder NICK BESLER (13) battle for the ball with Real Salt Lake Forward JUSTIN MERAM (9) and San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder ERIC REMEDI (5) trying to anticipate the play during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaThe San Jose Earthquakes pre-game huddle before the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder ERIC REMEDI (5) cuts his dribble away from Real Salt Lake Midfielder ALBERT RUSNÁK (11) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder JAVIER “CHOFIS” LÓPEZ (9) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder CARLOS FIERRO (7) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder ALBERT RUSNÁK (11) passes the ball with San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder ERIC REMEDI (5) giving pressure during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Defender JUSTEN GLAD (15) fouls San Jose Earthquakes Forward CHRIS WONDOLOWSKI (8) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder JAVIER “CHOFIS” LÓPEZ (9) dribbles in the midfield with Real Salt Lake Defender MARCELO SILVA (30) and Real Salt Lake Forward JUSTIN MERAM (9) trying to apply pressure during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder JAVIER “CHOFIS” LÓPEZ (9) dribbles into a sea of Real Salt Lake players during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder JAVIER “CHOFIS” LÓPEZ (9) dribbles against several Real Salt Lake players during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder JAVIER “CHOFIS” LÓPEZ (9) and Real Salt Lake Midfielder NICK BESLER (13) battle for the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder JAVIER “CHOFIS” LÓPEZ (9) and Real Salt Lake Midfielder NICK BESLER (13) battle for the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Forward RUBIO RUBÍN (14) drives to the middle of the field against San Jose Earthquakes Defender OSWALDO ALANIS (4) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Forward RUBIO RUBÍN (14) drives to the middle of the field against San Jose Earthquakes Defender OSWALDO ALANIS (4) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Defender JUSTEN GLAD (15) dribbles out of pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Forward CHRIS WONDOLOWSKI (8) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Defender JUSTEN GLAD (15) passes the ball with San Jose Earthquakes Forward CHRIS WONDOLOWSKI (8) giving chase during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder JACKSON YUEILL (14) controls the ball against Real Salt Lake Forward JONATHAN MENÉNDEZ (10) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward CHRIS WONDOLOWSKI (8) cuts back against Real Salt Lake Defender JUSTEN GLAD (15) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender MARCOS LÓPEZ (27) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender MARCOS LÓPEZ (27) dribbles upfield against Real Salt Lake Midfielder NICK BESLER (13) and Real Salt Lake Defender MARCELO SILVA (30) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender MARCOS LÓPEZ (27) dribbles between Real Salt Lake Midfielder DAMIR KREILACH (8) and Real Salt Lake Midfielder MAIKEL CHANG (16) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender MARCOS LÓPEZ (27) falls to the ground against Real Salt Lake Midfielder DAMIR KREILACH (8) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender LUCIANO ABECASIS (2) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder JUDSON (93) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender MARCOS LÓPEZ (27) explains his case to Referee NIMA SAGHAFI with San Jose Earthquakes Captain CHRIS WONDOLOWSKI (8) coming for clarification during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder ERIC REMEDI (5) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder ERIC REMEDI (5) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder CARLOS FIERRO (7) dribbles against Real Salt Lake Defender JUSTEN GLAD (15) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender MARCOS LÓPEZ (27) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder JUDSON (93) dribbles away from Real Salt Lake Forward JUSTIN MERAM (9) with Real Salt Lake Midfielder NICK BESLER (13) applying pressure during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder JAVIER “CHOFIS” LÓPEZ (9) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Forward JUSTIN MERAM (9) heads the ball with San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder JAVIER “CHOFIS” LÓPEZ (9), Real Salt Lake Defender DONNY TOIA (4) and San Jose Earthquakes Defender PAUL MARIE (3) anticipating where the ball will go during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Forward JUSTIN MERAM (9) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Forward JUSTIN MERAM (9) dribbles away from San Jose Earthquakes Defender LUCIANO ABECASIS (2) and San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder ERIC REMEDI (5) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward CHRIS WONDOLOWSKI (8) and Real Salt Lake Defender ERIK HOLT (20) battle for the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender PAUL MARIE (3) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward CADE COWELL (44) dribbles toward the goal against Real Salt Lake Midfielder MAIKEL CHANG (16)(left) and Real Salt Lake Defender JUSTEN GLAD (15)(right) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward CADE COWELL (44) shields the ball from Real Salt Lake Defender JUSTEN GLAD (15) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder ALBERT RUSNÁK (11) dribbles with San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder ERIC REMEDI (5) applying pressure during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward BENJI KIKANOVIC (28) dribbles away from a challenge from Real Salt Lake Midfielder NICK BESLER (13) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder ANDERSON JULIO (29) drives toward the goal against San Jose Earthquakes Defender TANNER BEASON (15) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Goalkeeper DAVID OCHOA (1) narrowly deflects the shot from San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder JACKSON YUEILL (14) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder CRISTIAN ESPINOZA (10) dribbles away from Real Salt Lake Midfielder PABLO RUIZ (6) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder ANDERSON JULIO (29) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder ANDERSON JULIO (29) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder DAMIR KREILACH (8) dribbles against pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Defender PAUL MARIE (3) and San Jose Earthquakes Forward ANDY RÍOS (25) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Defender ASHTONE MORGAN (3) and San Jose Earthquakes Defender PAUL MARIE (3) battle for the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward ANDY RÍOS (25) dribbles near the penalty box against Real Salt Lake Midfielder PABLO RUIZ (6) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaIn extra time, Real Salt Lake Goalkeeper DAVID OCHOA (1) catches a cross during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward BENJI KIKANOVIC (28) jumps for a header against Real Salt Lake Defender DONNY TOIA (4) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder NICK BESLER (13) and San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder JACKSON YUEILL (14) battle for the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder NICK BESLER (13) and San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder JACKSON YUEILL (14) battle for the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender TANNER BEASON (15) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender TANNER BEASON (15) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Defender DONNY TOIA (4) crosses the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder ALBERT RUSNÁK (11) dribbles across the field away from San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder JAVIER “CHOFIS” LÓPEZ (9) and San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder JUDSON (93) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Defender JUSTEN GLAD (15) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder ALBERT RUSNÁK (11) fires a shot into the goal during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Goalkeeper JT MARCINKOWSKI (1) jumps over Real Salt Lake Midfielder DAMIR KREILACH (8) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Captain Midfielder ALBERT RUSNÁK (11) discusses the situation of Real Salt Lake Midfielder DAMIR KREILACH’S (8) injury with Referee NIMA SAGHAFI during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder DAMIR KREILACH (8) takes the concussion protocol on field test from the Real Salt Lake Medical staff during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReferee NIMA SAGHAFI reviews his on field decision to issue a red card to Real Salt Lake Midfielder DAMIR KREILACH (8) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder DAMIR KREILACH (8) controls the ball with pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Defender OSWALDO ALANIS (4) and San Jose Earthquakes Defender PAUL MARIE (3) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, California
MEDIA RELEASE: Sept. 15, 2021
MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 3, Real Salt Lake 4Quakes midfielder Chofis scores hat-trick SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes fell to Real Salt Lake 4-3 on Wednesday night at PayPal Park.
The Quakes jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the 26th minute. After receiving a long ball over the top, Chofis cut onto his left foot and blasted a shot around goalkeeper David Ochoa. Just moments before halftime, Real Salt Lake scored the equalizer. A low header off a corner kick forced a diving save by Quakes goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski, but the ball rebounded off Rubio Rubin and into the back of the net. RSL took the lead four minutes into the second half when Albert Rusnak received a pass at the top of the box and sent his low shot just out of reach of Marcinkowski’s outstretched arms. San Jose responded immediately with an equalizer just one minute later. Chofis received a pass from the kickoff and proceeded to dribble half the length of the field, evading multiple defenders before beating Ochoa. Chofis then finished off his hat-trick with a goal in the 65th minute as his curling corner kick beat Ochoa at the near post. RSL equalized once again six minutes later when a free kick into the box glanced off Justin Meram’s head and caromed off Quakes defender Oswaldo Alanis and into the net. The visiting side then took the lead in the 81st minute through a low shot from Rubin. The Earthquakes will now prepare to travel to Texas to face Austin FC on Saturday, Sept. 18. The match kicks off from Q2 Stadium at 5:00 p.m. PT and will be broadcast on NBC Sports Bay Area Plus, KGO 810 and 1370 KZSF.
GAME NOTES The Earthquakes now hold a 6-9-9 record (27 pts.) during the 2021 MLS regular season and are currently in 11th place in the Western Conference. San Jose is now 13-12-11 all-time against Real Salt Lake, including a 9-6-4 record at home. The Quakes have scored first in 10 of their last 13 matches (conceded first twice and had one match finish in a scoreless draw). Midfielder Chofis scored his team-leading sixth, seventh and eighth goals of the season and of his MLS career. It also marked his first multi-goal game since joining the Quakes and the first hat-trick by an Earthquakes player since Chris Wondolowski on May 18, 2019. Chofis is the first player to score 8+ goals in his first season with San Jose since Alejandro Moreno in 2005 (8). Defender Luciano Abecasis tallied the assist on Chofis’ first goal. It marked his third assist of the season and third of his MLS career. Goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski made a career-high nine saves.
MLS Regular SeasonSan Jose Earthquakes 3 – 4 Real Salt LakeSept. 15, 2021 – PayPal Park in San Jose, Calif.Attendance: 9,636Man of the Match: Chofis
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: JT Marcinkowski; Marcos Lopez, Tanner Beason, Oswaldo Alanis, Luciano Abecasis (Cristian Espinoza 63); Judson (Paul Marie 63), Eric Remedi; Carlos Fierro (Cade Cowell 64), Jackson Yueill, Chofis (Andy Rios 80); Chris Wondolowski (Benji Kikanovic 63). Substitutes not used: Jack Skahan, Daniel Vega, Tommy Thompson, Jacob Akanyirige.
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES MIDFIELDER CHOFIS On his emotions during and after the match:“Honestly, I am sadder than I am happy because of the result. We would have liked to win and things would have been very different. I am sad because we didn’t win. My only thoughts are in the 10 matches that are left. I really want to make it to the playoffs. I’ve never had a match as great as today. That doesn’t matter anymore. We will try to turn things around and focus on Saturday. I wish it were Saturday already. I want to play and get the three points that we need, and that is where my thoughts are.” On the decisions going into his substitution:“I was a little sore in the leg. Truthfully, I gave it my all. I tried helping in everything and I became tired. I just want to clarify that we were being precautious. I was tired and had some pain in my leg.” On his future in San Jose:“Yeah, it’s true that I still have a little left in my loan here. The truth is that I’m loving my time here. I love the people, I love the city, I love the environment. Everyone has treated me very well since I arrived, and I would love to continue to be here. Hopefully this team buys my clause and I can stay a lot longer. But it’s true that I belong to another team right now and I still have a lot of respect for them and that’s who I belong to.”