The stage is set for an electrifying Round 1 battle in the MLS as Real Salt Lake visit San Jose Earthquakes on 23.02.2025. The two sides are bringing a mix of new faces and old tricks, promising a rollercoaster ride that could be as unpredictable as it is exciting. With new signings making headlines and the managerial duo of Bruce Arena and Pablo Mastroeni at the reins, there are going to be fireworks on the field—and plenty of opportunities for the shrewd punter.
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San Jose's recent results show a mix of highs and lows. Having just come out of a hard-fought 2-1 win against Saint Louis City, the Earthquakes are ready to make the most of the victory. Manager Bruce Arena is looking to instill discipline and a better attacking push, particularly with the new signing of Cristian 'Chicho' Arango, who is expected to bring creativity to their attacking game.
Adding to the chaos, former MLS MVP Josef Martínez signed a one-year deal (with options until 2026), demonstrating that the club is not afraid to make sensational signings during the transfer window.
Contrasting, individuals such as Cristian Espinoza have solidified their futures with new deals, ensuring the central core of the team remains intact as they seek to begin the season in high spirits. Statistically, the team has been losing 4 of their last 4 games but has been promising by scoring more than 2.5 goals in 4 of their last 5 games—a clear indicator that when the Earthquakes are in top shape, the games become goal fests.
Real Salt Lake
Real Salt Lake, led by manager Pablo Mastroeni, comes into this game with an astonishing 14-game unbeaten streak. Their last game—a scoreless draw at Herediano in CONCACAF Round 1—was perhaps a chess match of a game, but it also showed their well-disciplined side.
The club has been busy in the transfer window: 20-year-old Australian striker Ariath Piol is set to add some new vigor, while Tyler Wolff and Mason Stajduhar were in on the signing to bolster their wing play and goalkeeping, respectively. Though the acquisition of Elias Manoel has been marred with some off-field uncertainty, overall team depth and defensive cohesion (as demonstrated in their under 4.5 cards consistent profile) point to RSL gearing up for an even competitive season. With a well-balanced system that focuses on both attacking quality and tactical solidity, expect RSL to push the Earthquakes in all areas.
Head to Head
The head-to-head advantage is barely in favor of the Earthquakes at 5 wins, compared to the 4 wins and 1 draw by RSL. But, as any seasoned gambler would point out, football is lovely precisely because it is unpredictable—weather changes, referee calls, unexpected injuries, or red card blunders can ruin even the most compelling statistics.
History of Head-to-Heads
Major League Soccer 2025 
San Jose Earthquakes
Major League Soccer 2025
Real Salt Lake
Major League Soccer 2024
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Major League Soccer 2024
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Major League Soccer 2023
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San Jose Earthquakes Latest Games
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Austin FC
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St. Louis City
Los Angeles FC
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San Diego FC
Vancouver Whitecaps
San Jose Earthquakes
Real Salt Lake Latest Games
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Colorado Rapids
Austin FC
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Los Angeles FC
Sporting Kansas City
Minnesota United
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Expert Betting Tips
✅ Total Goals Over 2.5 @ 1.63 Odds on 1xbet:
Both teams have cultivated a taste for high-scoring affairs, with the Earthquakes seeing over 2.5 goals in 4 of their previous 5 matches. With attacking reinforcements on both sides (e.g., Martinez's goal threat and RSL's newest signing Piol), there should be plenty of action. But keep in mind potential uncertainties like weather or last-minute tactical switches that could slow the pace.
✅ Under 4.5 Cards @ 1.6 Odds on Betway:
Discipline is the name of the game here. With the Earthquakes boasting a record of under 4.5 cards in all of their recent matches and RSL doing the same, the match is going to be quite clean. The wager is a low-risk wager given the referee's possible leniency and controlled tempo of the match.
✅ Both Teams to Score (BTTS) @ 1.6 Odds on Bet365:
Both teams' attacking potency, highlighted by recent form and signings, BTTS is a decent bet. Just keep in mind that unexpected red cards or injuries to key players could temporarily halt either side's attacking flow. However, based on the previous head-to-head where both sides have scored, this remains a decent bet.
Other predictions
