SAN JOSE, Calif. — Jamar Ricketts marked a significant milestone in his career by scoring his first-ever goal, while Cristian Espinoza contributed three assists as San Jose dominated Real Salt Lake with a 4-0 victory in their season opener on Saturday night. This game also served as the coaching debut for Bruce Arena, who boasts five MLS Cup titles, with the Earthquakes.
The Earthquakes took control early in the match, leading 1-0 by the 28th minute. Rookie defender Ricketts, just 23 years old, scored with help from 21-year-old rookie midfielder Beau Leroux, who was making his league debut, and veteran midfielder Espinoza. This marked Ricketts’s second appearance in the league after making a brief 34-minute showing last season. Espinoza, a consistent presence on the field, has played in 110 consecutive matches, the longest active streak in the league.
As the game progressed, San Jose secured their lead further with a second goal in the 70th minute, courtesy of Antônio Josenildo Rodrigues de Oliveira. Ousseni Bouda followed suit, scoring the third goal in the 75th minute. Espinoza orchestrated both of these goals with assists, further highlighting his playmaking abilities. Bouda’s goal was significant as it marked the third goal of his career, spread over just 37 appearances since 2022.
Vítor Costa capped off the scoring in the 84th minute with an assist from Mark-Anthony Kaye. Costa had previously recorded two goals and three assists during his first season in the league last year.
On the defensive end, goalkeeper Daniel De Sousa Britto showcased his skill with eight saves, achieving his seventh clean sheet over 35 starts in the past three seasons. He managed to make one key save in the first half, maintaining a solid barrier against Real Salt Lake. Meanwhile, Rafael Cabral, 34, made four saves for RSL in his own league debut.
Bruce Arena, aged 73, stepped into the coaching role for the Earthquakes after they ended last season with the lowest points total in the league, garnering only 21 points from a 6-25-3 record. He had been without a team since August when he was placed on leave by the New England Revolution following allegations of inappropriate comments, resigning the subsequent month.
Arena’s impressive coaching history includes back-to-back championships with D.C. United in 1996 and 1997, followed by three Cups with New England across 2011-2012 and 2014.
The Earthquakes featured new signings Cristian “Chicho” Arango and Josef Martínez in this match, with Arango bringing a history of 23 goals and 14 assists from his tenure with Real Salt Lake.
Notably, Real Salt Lake had previously entered the match with a strong record, winning three season openers against San Jose with a combined score of 6-0.
Looking ahead, the Earthquakes are set to compete against Sporting Kansas City next Saturday, while Real Salt Lake will take on the Seattle Sounders at home the same day.
