SANDY, UTAH - The San Jose Earthquakes fell to Real Salt Lake 1-0 on Wednesday night at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah. The loss snaps a two-match winning streak for San Jose, who remain just two points out of second place.
After a scoreless first half, the home side took the lead on a header by Damir Kreilach with just 15 minutes to play. The Quakes, who took nine shots and forced three saves, could not find an equalizer.
Midfielder Carlos Fierro made his first start and fifth overall appearance for San Jose, playing 74 minutes.
The Earthquakes remain on the road to take on NYCFC at Yankee Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 9:30 a.m. PT (NBC Sports CA+, 560 KSFO, 1370 KZSF).
MATCH NOTES:
San Jose now holds a 13-11-5 record this season and are in fifth place in the Western Conference, just two points out of second.
The Earthquakes are now 13-7-5 since the start of April with a +16 goal-differential.
San Jose has now held their opponent to no more than one goal in 17 matches this season, including each of the last three.
Midfielder Carlos Fierro made his first MLS start and fifth overall appearance for the Earthquakes, playing 74 minutes.
MLS Regular Season
Real Salt Lake 1 - 0 San Jose Earthquakes
Sept. 11, 2019 - Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah
Attendance: 17,196
Scoring Summary: RSL - Damir Kreilach (Brooks Lennon) 75.
Misconduct Summary: SJ - Judson (caution) 28; RSL - Kyle Beckerman (caution) 31; RSL - Brooks Lennon (caution) 60; SJ - Florian Jungwirth (caution) 90+2; SJ - Anibal Godoy (caution) 90+4.
REAL SALT LAKE: Nick Rimando; Donny Toia, Justen Glad, Aaron Herrera, Nedum Onuoha; Joao Plata (Sebastian Saucedo 64), Douglas Martinez (Jefferson Savarino 64), Brooks Lennon, Kyle Beckerman (Kellyn Rowe 84), Everton Luiz; Damir Kreilach.
SHOTS: 12, SHOTS ON GOAL: 6; SAVES: 3; FOULS: 13; CORNER KICKS: 3,OFFSIDES: 0.
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Daniel Vega; Paul Marie, Guram Kashia, Florian Jungwirth, Tommy Thompson; Judson (Andy Rios 66), Anibal Godoy; Carlos Fierro (Vako 74), Magnus Eriksson, Cristian Espinoza; Chris Wondolowski (Danny Hoesen 66).
SHOTS: 9, SHOTS ON GOAL: 3; SAVES: 5; FOULS: 14; CORNER KICKS: 3,OFFSIDES: 2.
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES FORWARD CHRIS WONDOLOWSKI
On the match:
"It was a very frustrating night. I thought Salt Lake came out and they were very organized. They did a good job of closing us down and pressing us, but to let in the goal late was a bit frustrating."
On Real Salt Lake's defense:
"I thought we created a fair amount of chances. We were just missing the final pass or final touch on it, and the final finish."
On San Jose's offensive production:
"The game was a mixed bag. I thought there was some really good combination play, especially on the flanks and getting it in. But I think we kind of missed that final pass. Also, there were a couple of times to pull the trigger and take a shot or get it on frame, and we didn't quite do that or do it in a timely manner. I thought that we played a little bit too slow at times, and the pace kind of hurt us sometimes."
On what the Quakes need to bring to the next game:
"Just the urgency. I think that we are definitely a little frustrated. So, we want to go and I'm glad we have a game in three days to try to right the ship and get back in the win column."
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES DEFENDER FLORIAN JUNGWIRTH
On the match:
"Overall it was not a good performance by us, but I think the game was pretty even in the first half. We all knew it was a really important game and we were definitely convinced we could at least get a draw. Unfortunately, the second half wasn't good. We didn't play like we know we can play. We played their game and that's why we lost."
On a quick turnaround before Saturday's match at NYCFC:
"We have to take it like it comes but of course any time you lose, you're angry and waiting seven days for another chance is a bit long. Especially now in this part of the season, it's good to have a quick turnaround. We know it's going to be a really, really hard one, but we're convinced we can get all three points."
