Real Salt Lake fell 2-1 to the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, at PayPal Park, a loss that dropped the club below the MLS Cup Playoff line in the Western Conference. The defeat ended a three-game win streak and a four-game unbeaten run for the Claret-and-Cobalt during the Halloween matinee.
Early Earthquakes Dominance
The Earthquakes secured the victory in their final regular-season home game, rising to third in the Western Conference with one match remaining before the Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs. The win brought San Jose to 52 points, surpassing the team's highest total since 2013.
San Jose took an early advantage in the second minute of the match when Ousseni Bouda converted a free kick into the bottom left corner past goalkeeper Rafael Cabral. The free kick followed a foul by RSL defender Dominik Marczuk on Jamar Ricketts at the edge of the 18-yard box.
San Jose doubled its lead in the 17th minute when Benji Kikanović scored a right-footed shot from close range. The goal came after Niko Tsakiris delivered a cross that was deflected by Preston Judd to Ricketts, who then passed it to Kikanović.
Salt Lake Response and Missed Opportunities
Real Salt Lake responded in the 23rd minute when Juanma Sanabria scored his second goal of the season. Sanabria headed a cross from Sam Junqua into the bottom right corner to bring the score to 2-1.
Following the intermission, both teams had opportunities to change the scoreline. RSL goalkeeper Rafael Cabral recorded critical back-to-back saves in the 25th and 27th minutes to prevent San Jose from extending the lead.
In the second half, RSL attempted to equalize through shots from Stijn Spierings and Justen Glad in the 47th minute, and a right-footed shot by Noel Caliskan in the 79th minute. However, the score remained unchanged through the end of the match.
RSL Personnel Adjustments
RSL Head Coach Pablo Mastroeni implemented two personnel and two positional changes to the starting lineup for the match. The changes were made to replace suspended Designated Player Morgan Guilavigoi, with Junqua inserted into the lineup and Sanabria moved to the number 10 position.
Veteran leader Justen Glad made his first start in five months, following recovery from an adductor injury sustained on May 23. Glad's inclusion saw defender Philip Quinton moved to the left side of the back three.
Lukas Engel made a substitution appearance, marking his first playing time since suffering a hamstring strain on Sept. 9 in Houston.
Playoff Implications and Season Finale
The loss leaves Real Salt Lake in 10th place in the West with a 12-6-15 record and 42 points. The defeat prevented the club from achieving a nine-point week in MLS action, a feat they last accomplished in April 2012.
RSL enters its final regular-season game with a must-win scenario against LA Galaxy on Saturday, Nov. 7, at America First Field in Sandy.
During the match, RSL striker Sergi Solans remains in pursuit of the all-time MLS rookie scoring record. Solans would need three goals against LA Galaxy to match the 17-goal record set by Cyle Larin in 2015.
Looking Ahead
San Jose's match replay is scheduled to air on KTVU Plus on Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 8 p.m. PT. The Earthquakes will play their final regular-season match on the road against Minnesota United FC on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 4 p.m. PT.
Final Match Details
Real Salt Lake's season finale against LA Galaxy is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 7, with kickoff at 5:00 p.m. MT.
