Saborio brace sees RSL win at Buck Shaw in 2-0 revenge

Real Salt Lake started the season with a bit of revenge at Buck Shaw Stadium, defeating the San Jose Earthquakes 2-0 through a second-half Alvaro Saborio brace.

The first goal came in the 71st minute when Kenny Mansally won the ball deep in RSL's half and handed the ball off to Joao Plata, who released the on-rushing Saborio with a fantastic lob. With his first touch, Saborio slotted the ball in at the near post, leaving San Jose goalkeeper Jon Busch with no opportunity to save.

The second goal came shortly after the first, with Saborio the benefactor of a fine Kyle Beckerman pass in San Jose's half. Saborio's finish was divine, putting the ball in at the far post.

Saborio's brace marked the only scoring of the night, although San Jose was presented opportunities throughout — especially during a particularly hectic goalmouth scramble, in which the crossbar was perhaps the difference. The Earthquakes' first-half profligacy kept RSL in with a chance coming into the second half.

A much-improved second half performance from Real Salt Lake saw the club through with the win.

Devon Sandoval saw his first professional minutes when he came on for Saborio late in the first half. He and Plata, who came on for Robbie Findley in the second half, combined for some good opportunities in the dwindling minutes of the match.

Kyle Beckerman made his 300th career MLS start, and Nick Rimando posted his 100th MLS shutout.