San Jose Earthquakes are seeking their first win since last month's victory over the Portland Timbers to improve their standing in the Western Conference on Halloween.
The Quakes had not won in October since their September 26 3 - 1 victory over the Portland Timbers, a 5-game winless streak leading up to Halloween.
San Jose Earthquakes set the tone early with a goal from Ousseni Bouda. Just 2 minutes into the game, Ousseni Bouda scored a free kick through Rafael Cabral’s leg from a tight angle at the edge of the box on the left wing, his 7th of the season.
The Quakes doubled their lead in the 17th minute when Benjamin Kikanovic beat Real Salt Lake defender Philip Quinton to the ball and scored from an Ousseni Bouda cross to the near post.
Ousseni Bouda, who had a goal and an assist, said, “I think this victory came at the right time, one more game to go and big 3 points that puts us in a good position to keep fighting for a higher spot so we can have as many home games as possible here.”
Ousseni Bouda fires a goal and an assist to secure playoff home-field advantage
San Jose, California, 10/28/2026 - Alfred Chu
San Jose Earthquakes forward Ousseni Bouda (Right) crossing the ball into the box under the pressure of Real Salt Lake defender Luc de Fougerolles (Left)
Real Salt Lake responded in the 23rd minute, Juan Manuel Sanabria cut the lead to 2 - 1 with a diving header to the far post from a Samuel Junpua whip cross.
Real Salt Lake Midfielder Juan Manuel Sanabria’s celebration of his goal
Bruce Arena said after the victory, “Pretty even game if you look at the statistics, this was not one of our better games. We’ve played better games at home than the Dallas game. I don’t know what to say, but I’m pleased with the 3 points.”
San Jose Earthquakes took the treat at home on Halloween, ended Real Salt Lake's three-game winning streak, and eliminated Real Salt Lake from playoff. The Quakes moved up to third place in the Western Conference and secured playoff home-field advantage with a top 4 finish in the Western Conference.
Basketball legend Gary Payton “The Glove” was firing the siren for San Jose Earthquakes before kickoff