Photo by Cary Edmondson/USA Today Sports
By RYAN TOLMICH
Heading into Sunday as the league’s lone remaining unbeaten team, Javier Morales provided a spectacular volley finish to lock up all three points for Real Salt Lake in the club’s first visit to Avaya Stadium
Morales provided the game’s lone finish, a long-distance rocket off a free kick, to lead Real Salt Lake to a 1-0 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes. With the victory, RSL remain undefeated with eight points through four games.
The Argentine’s goal came just before half-time, as Morales lined up over a free kick in the 44th minute. Although his initial effort off the wall, Morales remained persistent by smashing a first time volley off the crossbar and over the line to provide the lone finish in his side’s road victory.
Morales’ goal proved to be more than enough for a Real Salt Lake team that was rarely tested by the hosts. Goalkeeper Nick Rimando, who returned to action after missing out due to international duty last week, was only forced into two saves.
The Earthquakes’ best chance came just moments following Morales’ goal, as Adam Jahn’s backheel flick slipped just past the far post to close the first half. Midfielder Fatai Alashe had his own chance in the closing moments of the second half during a scramble in the box, but the rookie’s shot went just high as the referee blew the final whistle.
Following the victory, Real Salt Lake hit the road once again next time out for a matchup with Sporting KC on April 11. The Earthquakes, meanwhile, remain on six points and remain at home for a matchup with the surging Vancouver Whitecaps that same day.
That was a straight bomb from Morales and Twellman had the nerve to say the keeper should have done better when he had absolutely zippy chance of stopping that volley.
what a goal by Javi. SJ really couldn’t do anything on that as it bounced off a SJ player in the wall right back to him. RSL still not there offensively but a good win all the same.