San Jose Earthquakes Vs Real Salt Lake: 3 things we learned – San Jose rebuild wins
By Ivan Ornelas
1. Differing rebuild prospects
When a sports fan hears the phrase ‘rebuild’ they likely imagine a linear progression year by year. But that is rarely the case. Look no further than these two clubs for proof of this statement.
After losing to Sporting Kansas City in the 2013 MLS Cup final, Real Salt Lake did not win a playoff series until the 2018 season. They knocked out LAFC that year followed by defeating the Portland Timbers in 2019. It seemed to be on the up, until Monday night, when they were largely outplayed by the Earthquakes.
However, while Real Salt Lake’s rebuild hit a road bump, the San Jose Earthquakes look to be on the right track. This club only made three playoff appearances in the 2010s and shocked everyone by their abysmal end to the 2019 season and making minimal changes heading into 2020. The Earthquakes that showed up in Orlando look completely different to the one that lost to Minnesota United 5-2 in March, however. There’s a good mix of veteran forces. It is a brilliantly coached team that seems ready to compete.
LAFC Vs Seattle Sounders: 3 things we learned. dark. Next
The Earthquakes’ rebuild seems set to deliver results. RSL, meanwhile, have some questions to answer.