It was a match that should not have been played for a number of reasons and it turned out to have a place in US soccer history as the only official league match played over parts of two days and months. It happened when Real San Jose traveled to visit the El Paso Indios at the beginning of the lower league explosion which saw the number of amateur clubs playing at the national level grow 10 times between 2007 and 2022.

Midnight Game is based on the true story of how upstart Real San Jose survived a seemingly doomed road trip from Silicon Valley across the southwest to face the would be National Champion El Paso Indios, who were a true second team to a professional Mexican soccer club. Welcome to the Midnight Game!The match in question should not have taken place for several reasons, yet it became a notable moment in U.S. soccer history as the only official league match played over parts of two days and months. This unusual event occurred when Real San Jose traveled to face the El Paso Indios during the early days of the lower league explosion, which saw the number of amateur clubs competing at the national level increase tenfold between 2007 and 2022.

"Midnight Game" is based on the true story of how the upstart Real San Jose embarked on a seemingly doomed road trip from Silicon Valley to the Southwest to challenge the potential National Champion El Paso Indios, who were the second team of a professional Mexican soccer club. Welcome to the Midnight Game!

Welcome to the Midnight Game!

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On June 1st, at PAL Stadium in San Jose, Real San Jose faced off against Racing Sacramento. It was a thrilling match that saw plenty of action and memorable moments.

Early Lead for Racing

The match kicked off with a bang as Racing Sacramento scored in the opening minutes, putting the pressure on Real San Jose right from the start. However, Real San Jose quickly regrouped and responded with an impressive offensive display.

Dominant First Half for Real San Jose

Real San Jose dominated the first half, scoring four goals before halftime. Hector Herrera was the standout performer, netting two goals to give his team a commanding lead. Christian Cruz and newcomer Daniel Aguilar also contributed with a goal each, showcasing the depth and talent in the squad.

Second Half Fightback

Racing Sacramento didn't go down without a fight. They scored one goal in the second half, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit. Real San Jose's defense held strong, ensuring the final score remained 4-2 in favor of the home team.

Final Score

Real San Jose 4 - Racing Sacramento 2

Player Highlights

Hector Herrera was the star of the match, scoring two crucial goals that set the tone for Real San Jose's victory. His ability to find the back of the was instrumental in securing the win.

Christian Cruz added to the scoreboard with a well-timed goal, contributing to the team's dominant first-half performance.

Newcomer Daniel Aguilar continued to impress, scoring his third goal in just two games with Real San Jose. His quick adaptation and scoring prowess have significantly boosted the team.

Upcoming Match

Real San Jose will return to PAL Stadium on June 8 to host YUSA. Both teams are currently undefeated with 3-0 records in the 2024 NSL Pacific season. This upcoming match will be a first-place battle; fans can expect an intense and exciting game.

Next Match

Real San Jose's victory over Racing Sacramento was a testament to their offensive strength and defensive resilience. With standout performances from Hector Herrera and Daniel Aguilar, the team is poised for more success as it looks forward to its next challenge against YUSA.

Don't miss the action on June 8 as Real San Jose aims to secure the top spot in the league!

#NSLPacific #realsanjose

In a dramatic clash that epitomized the thin line between victory and defeat, Real San Jose's lofty ambitions were curtailed by the slenderest of margins as they bowed out of the NSL Pacific semi-finals following a captivating tiebreaker against Marin County Union.

Key Moments That Defined the Match

The semi-final encounter transformed into a showcase of resilience and nerve from the first whistle. Marin County Union’s Edwing Guillen emphatically etched his name on the scoresheet with a thunderous 20th-minute strike from 18 yards, sending a clear message to Real San Jose.

Undeterred by the early setback, Real San Jose mustered a response through Hector Herrera, who kept his cool to slot home a penalty and restore parity before the teams headed into the break. The second half saw Real San Jose momentarily seize control when Cristian Cruz’s goal sent waves of excitement through the RSJ support in the 54th minute. But the lead proved fragile as Marin’s Brennan Blondin emerged as a thorn in RSJ’s side, scrambling a 61st-minute equalizer to ultimately force the tiebreaking penalty kicks.

A Performance Analysis

Despite a heroic effort, RSJ's semi-final story was one written with the ink of misfortune as they entered the fray minus several key players sidelined by injury. Nevertheless, the resolve to dominate possession became evident, showcasing the team’s tactical adherence to control amidst chaos. Throughout the match, RSJ appeared focused, strategically sound, and determined, yet the cruel lottery of penalties was indifferent to these virtues.

The Road Ahead for Real San Jose

While the cleats may be hung up temporarily, the passion and ambition at Real San Jose continue to burn fiercely. The club now shifts focus toward the 2024 NSL Pacific season commencing in mid-April and is actively scouting talent to bolster its ranks.

Potential players keen on etching their own tales of glory with Real San Jose are encouraged to step forward and reach out. The club invites all prospective talents to make their interest known via Real San Jose's Instagram or Facebook pages for a chance to don the jersey and be part of the new chapter.

In this sport, every ending heralds the dawn of another beginning, and for Real San Jose, the vision for success in the 2024 season is already crystalizing on the horizon. With lessons learned and spirits unyielding, the promise of future triumphs spurs the club forward.

Join us on our voyage—your support, your heartbeats in sync with ours, as we pen the next saga together. Real San Jose will return, and the quest for glory resumes anew.

#RSJ #SanJoseSoccer #NSLPacificConference #RealSanJose

Get ready, Real San Jose faithful! Our road to glory brings us face-to-face with Marin County Union in the heart-stopping NSL Pacific Semi-Final! This is where our unbeaten season gets its ultimate test!

Date: March 2nd
Time: 7:15 PM
Location: Burrell Field, San Leandro

Stand with us under the dazzling lights as we battle for a spot in the finals against the Racing Sacramento vs Yemen United CA semi-final winner, which will be played right before our match!

Real San Jose is coming into this match as the NSL Pacific Playoff 2nd Seed and Marin as the 3rd seed. Last week, Marin defeated San Leandro United 4-0 in the playoff's first round. RSJ had a bye. RSJ last played Marin on October 28, 2023, in a regular season match, playing to a 1-1 draw. Juan Velazquez's goal in the 44th minute put RSJ in the lead, but just when it looked like RSJ would secure a win, Marin's Joseph Ndungu scored from the penalty spot in the 82nd minute.

RSJ will not let their rivals from the North Bay off the hook.

Stand with us under the dazzling lights as we battle for a spot in the finals against the winner of the Racing Sacramento vs Yemen United CA semi-final which will be played right before our match!

#RSJ #SanJoseSoccer #NSLPacificConference #RealSanJose