A high-stakes Western Conference showdown unfolds at America First Field as Real Salt Lake hosts San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday, July 26, 2025. With just one point separating the two clubs in the standings and playoff implications looming large, this Major League Soccer clash promises intensity, tactical drama, and a touch of personal rivalry.
Match Details
Fixture: Real Salt Lake vs. San Jose Earthquakes
Date: Saturday, July 26, 2025
Kickoff Time: 9:30 PM ET
Venue: America First Field, Sandy, UT
Broadcast: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Team Form & Standings
| Team | Record | Points | Last 5 Matches | Conference Rank |
| Real Salt Lake | 8-11-4 | 28 | W-W-W-D-L | 10th (West) |
| San Jose Earthquakes | 7-9-8 | 29 | D-L-D-D-L | 9th (West) |
RSL had a five-match unbeaten run snapped by a narrow 1–0 loss to FC Cincinnati.
San Jose is winless in six straight matches across all competitions.
Tactical Breakdown & Key Players
Real Salt Lake
Manager: Pablo Mastroeni
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Key Players:
Diego Luna – 8 goals, 4 assists; leads RSL in both categories
Diogo Gonçalves – 3 goals, 4 assists; creative spark in midfield
Justen Glad – defensive anchor with strong aerial presence
Strategy:
Compact defensive shape with quick transitions
Strong home form (3 wins in last 4 at America First Field)
Luna and Gonçalves drive attacking rhythm
San Jose Earthquakes
Manager: Bruce Arena
Formation: 3-4-3
Key Players:
Cristian Arango – 11 goals, 5 assists; former RSL captain returns to Utah
Preston Judd – 4 goals; physical striker with aerial threat
Cristian Espinoza – 2 assists in last 10 games; set-piece specialist
Strategy:
High-scoring attack (3rd in MLS with 46 goals)
Defensive vulnerabilities (42 goals conceded)
Arango leads the line with dynamic movement and finishing
Injury & Suspension Report
Real Salt Lake:
Brayan Vera, Alexandros Katranis – SUSPENDED (yellow card accumulation)
Mathew Bell, Javian Brown, Tyler Wolff – OUT (injuries)
San Jose Earthquakes:
DeJuan Jones, Benjamin Kikanovic, Daniel Munie, Noel Buck, Vitor Costa – ALL OUT or DOUBTFUL
MATCH ODDS
Real Salt Lake – 120 Draw + 265 San Jose Earthquakes + 260
Over 3.5 + 135 Under 3.5 – 180
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, July 25, 2025
