Ousseni Bouda recorded a goal and an assist within the first 17 minutes to lead the San Jose Earthquakes to a 2-1 victory over Real Salt Lake on Saturday. The win moves San Jose up to third place in the Western Conference with one match remaining in the regular season.
The Earthquakes secured an early lead in the 2nd minute through an unassisted goal by Bouda following a free kick. Bouda and Preston Judd later set up defender Benji Kikanovic for his first netter since 2024, extending the Earthquakes' lead to two goals in the 17th minute. Judd also recorded his career-high third goal, bringing his season total to 16.
Real Salt Lake narrowed the deficit to 2-1 in the 23rd minute when first-year defender Juan Manuel Sanabria scored his second goal. The goal was assisted by Sam Junqua, who earned his career-best third assist, and Saba Lobjanidze, who collected his fifth assist in his first season with the club.
Earl Edwards Jr. made three saves in his third start for San Jose, improving the team's home record to 7-5-5. Rafael Cabral recorded three saves for Real Salt Lake, who now hold a 3-11-3 record on the road.
The loss, combined with a 4-1 Los Angeles Galaxy victory over Austin FC, removes Real Salt Lake from playoff contention heading into Decision Day. Six teams were competing for the final three playoff berths at the start of the day.
San Jose will play Minnesota United on Saturday to finish their regular season. Real Salt Lake is scheduled to host Los Angeles FC on Saturday to conclude the regular season.
