The San Jose Earthquakes defeated Real Salt Lake 2-1 on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at PayPal Park, a result that moved San Jose to third place in the Western Conference with one match remaining in the regular season. The loss by Real Salt Lake, combined with a 4-1 victory for the Los Angeles Galaxy over Austin FC, officially knocked Salt Lake out of a playoff spot heading into Decision Day.
Earthquakes Secure Early Lead
The Earthquakes secured the win following a highly productive first half. Ousseni Bouda opened the scoring in the 2nd minute, converting a free kick from close range past goalkeeper Rafael Cabral to give San Jose a 1-0 lead. Bouda, who has scored seven of his 12 career goals this season, capitalized on a foul by Real Salt Lake defender Dominik Marczuk at the left edge of the 18-yard box.
San Jose doubled their advantage in the 17th minute when Benji Kikanovic scored his first netter since 2024. The goal was set up by Niko Tsakiris, who charged down the left wing and delivered a cross to Preston Judd, who deflected it to Kikanovic for the finish. This goal marked the third for Judd, who has achieved a career-high 16 goals this season.
Salt Lake Struggles to Respond
Real Salt Lake managed to narrow the deficit in the 23rd minute. Sam Junqua delivered a cross from the left wing to Juan Manuel Sanabria, who headed the ball past San Jose goalkeeper Earl Edwards Jr. into the far post to make the score 2-1. Sanabria, a first-year defender, recorded his second goal of the season on the play.
Despite the goal, the Earthquakes maintained their lead through the second half. While Real Salt Lake held 57% of possession and recorded 16 total shots compared to San Jose's 14, the Earthquakes' defense and goalkeeper Earl Edwards Jr. helped secure the win. Edwards Jr. finished the match with three saves in his third start of the season.
San Jose Climbs Conference Standings
The victory was significant for the San Jose Earthquakes as it moved the club to 52 points, surpassing the team's highest total since 2013 when they finished with 51. The club has now improved to a 7-5-5 record at home. By climbing to third place in the Western Conference, San Jose has positioned itself to potentially enjoy home-field advantage during the first round of the Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs, as the top four finishers in each conference receive that advantage.
Playoff Hopes Eliminated
Real Salt Lake's defeat leaves the club with a record of 12-15-6, and they are now 3-11-3 on the road. The team failed to secure one of the final three berths in the playoffs, as six different teams began the day vying for those positions. Salt Lake's final regular-season game will be hosted at home against Los Angeles FC.
Looking Ahead
The San Jose Earthquakes will conclude their regular season on the road against Minnesota United FC on Saturday, Nov. 7. The match is scheduled to kick off at 4 p.m. PT and will be broadcast on Apple TV and local radio via KSFO 810 AM and La Kaliente 1370 AM.
Match Replay Schedule
San Jose fans can watch a replay of the match on KTVU Plus on Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 8 p.m. PT. The magazine show "Quakes Exclusive" is scheduled to air on KTVU Plus on Friday, Nov. 13, at 8 p.m. PT and on KTVU FOX 2 on 8:30 p.m. PT.
