SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - February 22, 2025 marked the start of the Major League Soccer (MLS) season with the San Jose Earthquakes delivering a stunning performance to defeat Real Salt Lake 4-0 at PayPal Park. The victory not only served as a promising kickoff for the Earthquakes but also signaled the potential of their new roster under the leadership of Bruce Arena.
The Earthquakes opened the scoring early, with Jamar Ricketts netting the first goal of the match. Just moments after, Rodrigues also contributed to the scoreboard, heading the ball perfectly during a corner kick, leading his team to 2-0. Celebrations on the field turned heartwarming when Rodrigues noticed a young fan had wandered onto the pitch. He calmly returned the child to their seat, eliciting cheers from the crowd.
Real Salt Lake struggled to find their rhythm, as they were coming off the high of finishing third in the Western Conference last season. They had struggled with defensive consistency but entered this season with new hopes after acquiring players like Chicho Arango. Arango, who was hoping to make his mark against his former team, found himself unable to penetrate San Jose’s strong defensive line.
Ousseni Bouda and Vítor Costa both joined Ricketts and Rodrigues on the scoresheet, applying pressure throughout the match and showcasing San Jose's potent offense. With Cristian Espinoza delivering excellent assists, it was clear the Earthquakes had crafted their play style perfectly for rapid attacks and swift transitions.
For Real Salt Lake, the match underscored the need for adjustments as they face the upcoming season. The team, once powered by Arango's exceptional skill last season, now without him faced challenges breaking through San Jose’s defense. Coach Bruce Arena was quick to remind fans and players about the rebuilding phase now underway.
This year, Arena's experience as the winningest coach in MLS history is expected to inspire turnaround success after the Earthquakes endured one of the league's worst seasons last year. The new signings—like Arango from Real Salt Lake and MLS MVP Josef Martínez—were part of Arena's strategy to reclaim strength. The season opener demonstrated the immediate impact of these changes.
Reflecting on the game, San Jose looks poised for potential playoff contention moving forward. Given their home advantage and the roster's current synergy, the Earthquakes earned enthusiastic cheers from fans both for their performance and their spirit. RSL, on the other hand, will need to regroup quickly if they hope for success this season.
Fans excited about San Jose's fresh start can keep track of their progress through subsequent matches streamed via the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. With the 2025 season freshly underway, both teams will be eager to establish themselves as formidable contenders.