Three key stats from the San Jose Earthquakes’ 2-1 win over Real Salt Lake.
Two late goals from Chris Wondolowski lifted the San Jose Earthquakes to a 2-1 victory over Real Salt Lake. The visitors trailed 1-0 at halftime after Rubio Rubin scored a top-class goal in the 43rd minute. It looked like RSL was on their way to all three points at home, however, Wondolowski entered in the 72nd minute as a substitute and completely changed the match. The Earthquakes striker put away two chances in the span of four minutes with goals in the 83rd and 87th minute. His goals proved to be the difference and the Earthquakes took all three points home to California. Here are three key stats from the match.
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Earthquakes extend win streak
Friday night’s victory was the Earthquakes’ third consecutive win in Major League Soccer. After falling to the Houston Dynamo on opening night, they have won their last three fixtures to place themselves well within the top seven in the Western Conference. It’s been a terrific response from the Earthquakes after losing their first match of the 2021 campaign. They will now face their biggest test thus far when they host the Seattle Sounders on Wednesday. If they defeat the Sounders mid-week then they could find themselves alone atop the Western Conference standings.
Rubin continues to be impactful for RSL
It’s been a fantastic start to the season for Rubin. The RSL forward has now registered three goals and two assists in three appearances. His goal against the Earthquakes will likely go down as one of the top goals of the year in MLS and it speaks volumes to the quality he has shown in these early weeks of the season. The 25-year-old is beginning to look like an early candidate for the MLS Newcomer of the Year Award. Keep an eye on Rubin’s offensive numbers as the season continues.
Wondolowski ties Donovan for combined regular season and playoff goals
According to Matthew Doyle of MLSSoccer.com, Wondolowski is now tied with Landon Donovan for goals scored in the regular season and playoffs combined. Both Donovan and Wondolowski have scored 170 career MLS goals in the regular season and postseason combined. At 38, the MLS legend Wondolowski is still getting the job done and making an impact in whatever role Matias Almeyda needs him to be in. With a long way to go this season, Wondolowski will surely be surpassing Donovan with that 171st goal in the near future.