On the night of May 20, 2023, soccer fans came to PAL Stadium for an electrifying match between two formidable teams, Real San Jose and Junction 29. From the get-go, the atmosphere was enhanced by new Real San Jose soundtracks, and the energy only amplified as the match progressed.
## Pre-game
Real San Jose entered the game with an impressive 5 wins, 1 draw, and 0 losses, placing them first in the NSL Pacific, while Junction 29 held a record of 2 wins, 0 ties, and 3 losses. RSJ players looked around to see who would replace unavailable NSL Pacific scoring leader Lluis Dolade as the main scoring threat.
## Match Highlights
All doubts disappeared, as Real San Jose's Hector Herrera scored twice in the 12th and 35th minutes, thanks to exceptional assists by Francisco Avila. Avila then upped the ante by scoring in the 40th minute, carrying the team to a halftime score of 3-0 in favor of the home team.
Real San Jose was able to keep control in the second half. Yasid Alvardo blasted in a header goal in the 66th minute off a cross-back header from Andy Canepa. What followed was a goal-scoring parade by Real San Jose's substitutes Timony Hayes and Darnel Alvarado as they racked up the tally, scoring in the 82nd, 83rd, and 85th minutes. Moreover, substitutes Nico Mendez, a midfielder, and Armando Limón, a defender, made impressive debuts, enhancing the overall strength of San Jose's squad. Pedro Hernandez was able to score for Junction 29 in the 87th minute. That goal kept Real San Jose from earning a 4th straight shutout. Still, RSJ impressively claimed their 4th straight victory with a final score of 7-1.
## Post-match
In the post-game, Real San Jose coach Dave Gold said, "Brilliant performance by the team last night. What really pleased me was the depth of the squad that we can go to the bench winning 3-0 and add four more goals. That, as a coach, makes it very exciting for me because players now have to fight for their places. No one can sit back and expect to be a starter. Real San Jose's got not just a great team; we got a great squad."
## Upcoming Matches
Real San Jose will continue to face more rivals in the NSL Pacific as they gear up for an away game against Bay Area Force on June 3, followed by their next home game against Yemen United on June 10. You have to see this Real San Jose team play!
#rsj #nsl #realsanjose #nationalsoccerleague #nslpacific