Marcelo Silva Gives Real Early Lead After Two Week Break

Jun 18, 2022, 8:13 PM | Updated: Jul 7, 2022, 11:13 am

Marcelo Silva #30 of Real Salt Lake jumps for a header during a round of 16 match of the MLS Is Back Tournament between San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on July 27, 2020 in Reunion, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)

(Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)

BY BRIAN PREECE

KSL Sports

SALT LAKE CITY – Marcelo Silva shook off the rust following a 14-day layoff for RSL as he scored a 22-minute goal to give RSL the early 1-0 advantage.

Real Salt Lake hosted the San Jose Earthquakes at Rio Tinto Stadium on Saturday, June 18 following an international break.

THAT'S OUR GUY 😤 pic.twitter.com/wIIAXrmSa0

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) June 19, 2022

After controlling the early pace of play, Real’s Jefferson Savarino bounced a cross through the San Jose defense, finding Silva at the top of the six-yard box for a right-footed shot that just skipped past the diving Earthquakes goal keeper.

The goal is the second of the season for Silva and the first assist of the season for Savarino in just his second match since returning to RSL mid-season.

Getting Healthy

Manager Pablo Mastroeni admitted to reporters midweek that his players have returned with an increase in energy and determination following the loss on the road against Vancouver and he is excited to see how his team responds against a very talented San Jose outfit.

“Everybody has been looking really bright. The energy, the quality in training has been tremendous and it is a really great environment to be in and to be a part of,” Mastroeni said in his weekly press conference.

Take your kid to work day 🥰 pic.twitter.com/WU962LLm4p

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) June 19, 2022

A New & Different San Jose

San Jose has endured a lot of change over the recent weeks as Matías Almeyda stepped down from his managerial post on April 18th and was replaced by Alex Covelo on an interim basis.

The most recent San Jose outing may suggest that Covelo is beginning to have an impact on his new team. San Jose went on the road and drew 0-0 with Nashville, one of the most dangerous home teams in the league.

Jeremy Ebobisse, who was traded from Portland in August of 2021, is tied atop the league leaders with goals scored while dangerous Argentine winger Cristian Espinoza is tied atop the league leaders in assists with seven.