Grading Real Salt Lake offense against San Jose Earthquakes

Real Salt Lake (RSL) defeated the San Jose Earthquakes by a slim 1-0 margin on Saturday, October 5, 2024. This showed a tough and powerful offense. Their ability to manage the tempo, generate opportunities, and score a game-winning goal under pressure proved a performance worthy of praise. Below is a breakdown of RSL's offensive performance and how key players contributed to the crucial victory.

Offensive Creativity and Build-up Play: B+

From the first whistle, RSL's offensive showed intention controlling 57% of the ball. The midfield, led by Braian Ojeda and Diego Luna, was important for setting up play and creating opportunities.

RSL managed 14 total shots compared to San Jose’s six, but they only scored once. their ability to apply consistent pressure through ball passing and movement proved their strength in build-up play.

One area where RSL could have been more effective was converting early chances. In the opening stages, they came close to scoring with efforts from Diego Luna and Dominik Marczuk. However, San Jose's defense and goalkeeper Daniel were able to keep them at bay for most of the game.

Finishing and Chance Creation: B

Diego Luna's 78th-minute effort was an incredible example of individual brilliance. On support from Ojeda, Luna moved inside from the left, eluded his marker, and released a thunderous left-footed shot from just outside the penalty box which went into the woodwork and hit the back of the net. The goal exemplified Luna's imagination and the finishing touch that have been there for all to see throughout the season for RSL.

They produced 14 shots, but only five were on target, revealing that they succeeded in creating opportunity, but finishing wasn't nearly as clinical as it could have been. Players like Marczuk and Chicho Arango came quite close to scoring but lacked composure to convert their chances. The quality of their shots will prove crucial when the team heads into playoffs.

Player Impact: A-

Diego Luna shone here, scoring the only goal in the match for RSL while leading the attack. His movement was always so good and smart, and he seemed confident to dribble past defenders. All these things constantly bothered San Jose's defense line as the midfield connection with Ojeda often asked them to decide between spaces outside the box and left them vulnerable to be traced down.

Ojeda, who contributed the assist, helped take charge of the game's flow, delivering 91% of his attempted passes and keeping RSL on the front foot. In a game in which Chicho Arango and Anderson Julio aren't expected to see much action, the two fill-ins helped drive the attack. Such performances on the depth chart from players also are evidence of RSL's third-way threat.

Game Management and Adaptability: B+

RSL's attack responded similarly to San Jose's tactical changes during the game. While hindered by Daniel's excellent goalkeeping and San Jose's tight defense, RSL continued to remain relentless and worked their way into scoring the game's equalizer. The tactical adjustment by Pablo Mastroeni in substitution with Chicho Arango in the latter part of the game had helped in some sustained attacking efforts up front.

Still, RSL can take better advantage of the dead ball situations, taking nine corners without creating many quality scoring chances. They will have to convert any opportunity created from set pieces into a goal if they are going to make it deep in the playoffs.

Final Grade: B+

Real Salt Lake's offense isn't explosive, but it's efficient. They created enough chances to win the game and did so with a little brilliance when it counted. Luna's goal and Ojeda controlling the midfield insured that RSL would extend their unbeaten streak and ensure playoff positioning. But even a slight change in finishing and improving set pieces would make this team a higher tier as they head into the playoffs.