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Preview: Real Salt Lake at San Jose Earthquakes

Real Salt Lake is back on the road to face San Jose for the first time this season:

1.  RSL got their second consecutive win and shutout on Wednesday night.  Sam Johnson scored the match-winner in the 38th minute when Aaron Herrera sent the ball into Columbus’s half from his own 6-yard box, and Johnson beat Keita and Crognale to the ball before burying the ball in the back of the net.  The goal was Johnson’s third in two matches.

Johnson leads the team with eight goals, Albert Rusnak has six goals and three assists, Damir Kreilach has three goals and three assists, Jefferson Savarino has three goals and one assist, and Sebastian Saucedo has two goals and two assists.

2.  Johnson (quad; 7/3) and Nedum Onuoha (adductor; 7/3) were subbed out during the match against Columbus due to injury and are questionable for Saturday’s match in San Jose.  Kyle Beckerman missed Wednesday’s match due to yellow card accumulation but will be available Saturday.  Savarino has returned to RSL after playing with Venezuela in the Copa America but it unclear if he will be available against San Jose.  All-time RSL is 10-10-11 against San Jose and 5-7-4 at San Jose.  In 2018 neither team claimed victory as both matches played to draws, RSL has not won at San Jose since April 2015.

If Nick Rimando plays in Saturday’s match it will be his 500th MLS appearance.

3.  San Jose lost 3-1 at Minnesota on Wednesday night, snapping a six-match win streak for the Earthquakes.  During that streak, Chris Wondolowski scored eight goals in four matches and became the all-time leading goalscorer in MLS, while defender Tommy Thompson has scored in back-to-back matches.  Shea Salinas has five goals and three assists, Vako has four goals and two assists, Magnus Eriksson has three goals and five assists, Danny Hoesen has three goals and one assist, and Cristian Espinoza has two goals and seven assists.

Midfielder Anibal Godoy has been ruled out with an abdominal injury.  San Jose has a home record of 6-0-1 in 2019.

Our coverage of Real Salt Lake at San Jose begins on Saturday, July 6 at 7:30 PM, kick-off at 8:30 PM.

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