RSL downs San Jose, wins 1-0 for second place in West

Real Salt Lake toughed out a difficult victory over San Jose Earthquakes with a 1-0 victory on the back of a Damir Kreilach goal.

The first half saw sparingly few good chances for RSL, with Damir Kreilach on the end of an excellent cross; his header was saved by San Jose goalkeeper Daniel Vega from close range.

Kreilach generated another chance with a dipping shot from outside the box, but it was parried away for a wasted corner kick.

It was Kreilach with the lion’s share of opportunities, and it was he who opened the scoring on a recycled corner kick. His header, rather than being placed at the goalkeeper’s hands as before, hit the corner flawlessly.

Douglas Martinez made his first start for RSL, taking the field for the first time since joining the club for Real Monarchs. He scored 11 goals in 19 games for the B-side.