SANDY, Utah (AP) — Cristian Espinoza and Amahl Pellegrino scored first-half goals and the San Jose Earthquakes, currently in last place, defeated Real Salt Lake in a surprise 2-0 road victory on Saturday night.
The Earthquakes (5-19-2), who entered the sport because the league's worst team with just 14 points in three quarters, took a 1-0 lead within the twentieth minute with Espinoza's fourth goal of the season.
Jackson Yueill picked up his second assist on the goal, intercepting a Salt Lake pass in the midst of the sector and passing it wide to Espinoza, who blasted the shot out of the hands of RSL goalkeeper Zach McMath for his a hundredth MLS goal contribution (32 goals, 68 assists) as an Earthquake player.
“This means a lot to me,” the 29-year-old Argentine said of his milestone goal at a post-match press conference. “Since I came here in 2019, I never expected to reach all these numbers.”
San Jose took a two-goal lead within the thirty third minute and held on to it at halftime when Amahl Pellegrino converted a rebound off the post following a free kick into the box by Espinoza. Pellegrino scored six goals in his first season within the league, making 18 starts and 24 appearances.
Daniel De Sousa Britto finished with 4 saves as San Jose goalkeeper and secured his second clean sheet in his fifth start and ninth appearance this season.
“We won the ball in really good areas and have a lot of pace going forward. I was just happy with the consistent performance over the 94 minutes on the road,” Quakes interim coach Ian Russell told the media after the sport. “I think it was a really complete win. I told the guys the last six or seven games have been really, really good. We haven't won all of them, of course, but since the home game against Houston (July 17) we've started to show a lot of fighting spirit.”
RSL's Cristian Arango limped off the sector with a right thigh injury within the forty first minute after being fouled by San Jose midfielder Carlos Gruezo when his team was already two goals down. He was replaced by Anderson Julio. Arango and DC United's Christian Benteke are tied at the highest of the league within the race for the Golden Boot with 17 goals this season.
Zac MacMath blocked three shots for Real Salt Lake (12-6-8).
Real Salt Lake, third within the Western Conference, and San Jose met for the primary time this season.
The Quakes achieved only their second victory in 13 away games.
The Earthquakes return home to play Minnesota United on Saturday. Real Salt Lake hosts the New England Revolution on Saturday.
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