(Updated: Mar 4, 08:04 AM) Real San Jose suffered a tough loss in a thrilling match played last Saturday night in Watsonville. It was an exciting match that saw RSJ score early, PVU tally twice before half time, RSJ tie it and nearly pull ahead midway through the second half, and PVU win it with just seconds remaining.

“We saw some glimpses of what the team is capable of, and those are the things we need to build on,” said RSJ Coach Markus Kothner whos post game mood might have been different had RSJ left the 2019 UPSL season opener with a road tie or win.

Kothner’s squad already has shown a marked improvement over last season’s squad that failed to make the Wild West Division playoffs. RSJ came out strong to start the match and then fought back harder after finding themselves behind at half time. Clearly, a different referee decision or a better-timed tackle or pass would have changed the outcome of the match. It was that close.

Real San Jose opens their home schedule of the 2019 United Premier Soccer League season on March 9 versus San Leandro United at PAL Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 pm.