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Bruce Arena says San Jose points are vital for playoff push

San Jose face Real Salt Lake with playoff momentum on the line.

Written by the BettingEdgeHub desk, 14 October 2026

Bruce Arena insists every single point matters for the San Jose Earthquakes as they chase a playoff spot. The team secured a 1 1 draw against the Colorado Rapids to extend their unbeaten run. That result leaves them fourth in the Western Conference with only six regular season matches remaining.

Real Salt Lake struggles

Real Salt Lake are sliding down the table at the wrong time of the year. They have won just one of their last fourteen matches since league play resumed. Pablo Mastroeni watched his side lose 2 1 to the Philadelphia Union in their most recent outing.

Substitutes Juan Manuel Sanabria and Luc De Fougerolles changed the dynamic of that match after coming on at halftime. Saba Lobjanidze scored a late consolation goal and remains a key weapon off the bench. Mastroeni hinted that both substitutes might earn a start for the upcoming fixture.

Players to watch

Saba Lobjanidze continues to provide a spark for Real Salt Lake as a substitute. Defender Dave Romney scored for San Jose against Colorado from a set piece to help his side secure a valuable point.

Punters should note that Real Salt Lake won the last meeting between these two teams by a 2 1 scoreline in July. However, they struggle to string consecutive wins together against San Jose. Bettors weighing up the odds will find interesting markets on goalscorers and match outcomes for this midweek clash.