San Jose Earthquakes vs Real Salt Lake Picks and Predictions February 22nd 2025

Arango’s Earthquakes Debut Headlines MLS Opener Against Real Salt Lake

A clash between Western Conference foes will kick off the 2025 MLS season as Real Salt Lake visits the revamped San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday. All eyes will be on Cristian Arango, the former RSL star who joined the Earthquakes in a high-profile January trade and now faces his old squad in his San Jose debut.

RSL Seeks Redemption After Playoff Heartbreak

Real Salt Lake enters the new season looking to bounce back from a disappointing playoff exit, where they scored just one goal in two Round One matches against Minnesota United before falling in penalty kicks. The offensive drought was unexpected, given that RSL tied for second in the Western Conference with 65 regular-season goals and boasted a plus-17 goal differential—better than all but four MLS teams.

To bolster their attack, RSL added Foster Ajago from Nashville SC via the MLS Re-Entry Draft and acquired Elias Manoel from the New York Red Bulls in December. Head coach Pablo Mastroeni is eager to see the new-look offense hit its stride, especially after a scoreless draw against Costa Rican champion CS Herediano in the CONCACAF Champions Cup opener on Wednesday.

“My ask of the guys was, ‘We have to compete like we’re in the middle of the season,'” Mastroeni said after the hard-fought draw. “There were a lot of moments that were (sloppy), but what I was looking for was the mentality and to compete the right way.”

While defender Justen Glad was limited to a late substitute appearance due to injury, his presence was a positive sign for a team that relies heavily on his defensive leadership.

Arango, Martinez Headline Revamped Earthquakes Attack

San Jose’s offseason moves were headlined by the acquisition of Arango, who scored 17 goals and added 12 assists for RSL last season before a late-season suspension for violating the MLS anti-harassment policy. With 53 goals and 21 assists over four MLS seasons, the Colombian forward is expected to be the centerpiece of San Jose’s attack.

Joining Arango is former MLS MVP Josef Martinez, who signed with the Earthquakes as a free agent. Martinez, ranked seventh all-time in MLS with 116 goals in 184 appearances, brings a wealth of experience and a lethal scoring touch to complement Arango.

The duo will be guided by Bruce Arena, the legendary coach and sporting director whose resume includes five MLS Cup championships with D.C. United, the LA Galaxy, and the New England Revolution. Known for his tactical acumen and ability to build winning teams, Arena acknowledged that San Jose’s transformation will take time.

“It’s going to take some time,” Arena said. “Our league doesn’t really start to get into action until really August. We have to survive the early going and be a team that is more competitive than it was last year.”

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A Statement Game for Both Teams

Saturday’s matchup offers both teams a chance to set the tone for the season. For San Jose, it’s an opportunity to showcase their revamped attack and establish PayPal Park as a fortress under Arena’s leadership. Meanwhile, RSL aims to prove that their playoff stumble was an anomaly and that their offseason acquisitions will help them remain a top contender in the West.

With Arango looking to make a statement against his former club and Martinez eager to add to his MLS goal tally, the Earthquakes’ home opener promises plenty of drama and attacking fireworks. As the Western Conference playoff race begins anew, both teams will be eager to claim three points and start the season on the right foot.