'Savarino Magic' gives RSL 2-0 win over San Jose

SANDY — Jefferson Savarino assisted one goal and scored the other to keep Real Salt Lake undefeated at home and to come away with 3 points in a 2-0 win over San Jose Saturday.

"I think Savarino tonight showed his quality," head coach Pablo Mastroeni said. "I can't imagine a more complete game for Savarino. And to get it tonight in front of the fans, packed house, score goals, set up a goal – I couldn't be happier for him."

It was Savarino's first start for RSL since returning to Utah last month, and he made his presence felt. The home team had a pair of chances early off of corner kicks from Savarino, but both headers were sent just wide of the goal. Bobby Wood went down in the opening 20 minutes and head coach Pablo Mastroeni was forced to sub in Rubio Rubin in the 20th minute to replace him.

Moments later, Savarino's corner-kick accuracy paid off when his in-swinging cross found the feet of Marcelo Silva, and the center back slotted home the opening goal of the night in the 23rd minute.

A goal from Savarino just before the half was ruled offside, sending RSL to the locker room with a bit of frustration. San Jose led the possession battle by a wide margin at the break, but RSL had the advantage in shots, ultimately leading to the 1-0 edge on the scoreboard.

RSL had a flurry of chances to start the second half, but all three shots were thwarted by San Jose keeper JT Marcinkowski. RSL forward Sergio Cordova went down with a head injury early in the second half, as well, which required a head wrap from the athletic trainer, though he stayed on the pitch.

The home team was up to two "expected goals" in the final 20 minutes, according to MLSSoccer.com stats, and Savarino did his best to make sure a real second goal came to be. His free kick just outside the box in the 79th minute was blocked by the wall, but his determination paid off minutes later.

A sub approached the fourth official in the 80th minute to replace Savarino, so he knew if he was going to be the one to score the second goal it had to be right then. He got the ball as it bounced into the box, juggled it away from the defender and then slammed home an acrobatic finish past the keeper and off the far post to give RSL a 2-0 lead in the 81st minute.

Even Utah Jazz and RSL team owner Ryan Smith had something to say about the golazo resulting from the first full dose of "Savarino Magic" at Rio Tinto Stadium.

RSL moves into second place in the Supporters Shield league-wide standings behind LAFC and stays at home for its next match, taking on the Columbus Crew at Rio Tinto Stadium on June 25th at 8 p.m. MDT.

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