Real Salt Lake were minutes away from a home victory before Jack Jasinski’s stoppage-time volley rescued a 1-1 draw for San Jose Earthquakes at America First Field on Wednesday, October 14.
Luc de Fougerolles broke the deadlock in the 79th minute, but Jasinski struck in the fourth minute of added time to ensure the visitors left Sandy, Utah, with a point from this Major League Soccer fixture.
A late breakthrough, then an even later response
The sides reached halftime goalless, leaving all the decisive action for the closing stages. Over the full match, possession was almost evenly divided, with Real Salt Lake holding a narrow 50.8 percent share. The hosts, however, produced more attempts and were considerably more accurate.
Real Salt Lake finished with 22 shots to San Jose’s 16 and put eight on target, compared with just two for the visitors. Both sides earned five corners, but the hosts’ greater threat did not translate into a breakthrough until the 79th minute, when de Fougerolles put them ahead.
That goal left Real Salt Lake within sight of all three points. Ariath Piol received a yellow card in the first minute of stoppage time as the hosts tried to see out the closing moments, but there was still one decisive twist to come.
Substitute Jasinski delivered it in the 90+4th minute, volleying home the equalizer to turn San Jose’s late deficit into a valuable away draw.
Salt Lake left to rue missed opportunity
The contrast in shots on target underlined Real Salt Lake’s frustration. Eight efforts on target yielded just one goal, while San Jose made one of their two count at the most consequential moment.
For the Earthquakes, the draw was a reward for staying within reach after conceding late. For Real Salt Lake, it was a point earned but also an opportunity missed after taking the lead so close to full time.
Next fixtures
Both clubs return to action on Saturday, October 17. Real Salt Lake face Sporting Kansas City at 5:30 p.m. PDT, while San Jose Earthquakes face Nashville SC at 7:30 p.m. PDT.
