Real Salt Lake was unable to overcome an early deficit on Saturday, falling 2-1 to the San Jose Earthquakes at PayPal Park in the Bay Area. The result snapped a three-game win streak and a run of four unbeaten matches that had vaulted the Utah side into postseason contention.
Juan Manuel Sanabria provided a standout performance despite playing out of position. Tasked with playing in attacking midfield for suspended Designated Player Morgan Guilavogui, the Uruguayan international scored the team's only goal 23 minutes into the match. Sanabria connected with a cross from Sam Junqua to net a far-post header, marking his second goal of his debut MLS season.
The match also featured significant injury recovery milestones for the defense. Justen Glad returned to the starting lineup for the first time since suffering an adductor injury on May 23 in Minnesota. Additionally, Lukas Engel returned to the lineup after a seven-week absence caused by a hamstring strain sustained on September 9 in Houston.
Real Salt Lake enters the final weekend needing a win against LA Galaxy to secure a spot in the 2026 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs. Currently, Portland, Colorado, and Seattle each sit at 43 points, one point ahead of Real Salt Lake, though the Utah side holds the tiebreaker over all three. A win for RSL, combined with specific results from Portland, Colorado, or Seattle, could lead to the team advancing to the postseason for the eighth time in the last nine years.
Real Salt Lake is scheduled to host the LA Galaxy in a must-win Decision Day match at America First Field on Saturday, November 7. Kickoff is set for 5:00 p.m. MT.
