Match Summary
San Jose Earthquakes defeated Real Salt Lake 2:0. The match was played in Major League Soccer 2024. Goals were scored by C. Espinoza 19′, A. Pellegrino 33′. 3 yellow cards were shown. Real Salt Lake had 63% possession while San Jose Earthquakes held 37%. Real Salt Lake had 16 shots (4 on target) compared to 13 (6 on target) for San Jose Earthquakes. Expected goals: Real Salt Lake 0.62 — San Jose Earthquakes 1.80. Real Salt Lake made 5 substitutions, San Jose Earthquakes made 5.
Match Events
Key match events between Real Salt Lake and San Jose Earthquakes — 2 goals and 3 cards recorded during the match.
assist: J. Yueill
Match Statistics
Real Salt Lake had 63% possession against San Jose Earthquakes's 37%. Real Salt Lake registered 16 shots (4 on target) while San Jose Earthquakes managed 13 (6 on target). Corner kicks: 7–7. Fouls committed: 16–14.
Lineups
Real Salt Lake lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under P. Mastroeni, while San Jose Earthquakes deployed a 4-4-2 under I. Russell.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Real Salt Lake is 6.93, compared to 6.71 for San Jose Earthquakes. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Real Salt Lake's highest-rated starter is J. Glad (7.07), while San Jose Earthquakes's best-rated player is O. Bouda (6.79).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Real Salt Lake have contributed 4 goals and 1 assists this season, led by B. Ojeda (2G). San Jose Earthquakes's starters account for 4 goals and 2 assists, spearheaded by O. Bouda (3G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Real Salt Lake deploy 4 defenders rated 6.92 on average, against San Jose Earthquakes's 4-man backline averaging 6.72. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Real Salt Lake field 5 midfielders averaging 6.96, versus San Jose Earthquakes's 4 rated 6.71. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Real Salt Lake start 1 forward(s) averaging —, compared to 2 for San Jose Earthquakes averaging 6.70. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 52% for Real Salt Lake and —% for San Jose Earthquakes. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Real Salt Lake's starters have collected 27 yellow cards this season, compared to 8 for San Jose Earthquakes. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Real Salt Lake's starting XI is 28.1 (youngest: B. Hidalgo (23), oldest: M. Chang (34)), while San Jose Earthquakes average 27.6 (youngest: B. Kikanovic (25), oldest: A. Pellegrino (35)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Real Salt Lake's starters average 27 league appearances each, versus 16 for San Jose Earthquakes. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Substitutes
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Real Salt Lake have recorded 2 wins, 1 draws and 3 defeats. San Jose Earthquakes show 2 wins, 0 draws and 4 losses from their last 6 outings.
Real Salt Lake
San Jose Earthquakes
Head to Head
Real Salt Lake and San Jose Earthquakes have met 2 times — Real Salt Lake won 1, San Jose Earthquakes won 1, with 0 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2025. A combined 7 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 3.50 per match (2 for the home side, 5 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 1 matches (50%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 2 games (100%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 4–0 in 2025.
1
Real Salt Lake
0
Drawn
1
San Jose Earthquakes
Recent Meetings (2)
API data: 15 Mar 2026