The San Jose Earthquakes earned three critical points in a 2-0 win over Real Salt Lake on Wednesday. Two goals by Chris Wondolowski and a defensive shutout led by goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski were enough to see San Jose jump into seventh place in the West.
With news of standings now being determined by points per game instead of points earned, the Colorado Rapids have reentered the picture as a playoff contender despite playing several fewer matches than the rest of the league. In fact, Colorado has climbed into eighth place in the Western Conference, leapfrogging Vancouver Whitecaps FC, and are now hot on San Jose’s heels.