By: Eric He

sjearthquakes photo: Simon Dawkins and Fatai Alashe both found the back end of the net in the San Jose Earthquakes one goal win over Real Salt Lake on Saturday night at Avaya Stadium

With the schedule dwindling and their playoff hopes fading, the San Jose Earthquakes received a much-needed boost on Saturday night in a 2-1 win over Real Salt Lake at Avaya Stadium.

The three points came at a pivotal time as the Earthquakes snapped a seven-game winless streak.

Fatai Alashe netted the game-winner in the 72nd minute, heading a cross from Shea Salinas into the net off the hand of the diving Real Salt Lake goaltender Nick Rimando. It was Alashe’s third goal of the season and biggest one yet to give the Earthquakes a 2-1 lead, which they held on to for the win.

San Jose struck first in the 34th minute on a long-distance shot by Simon Dawkins, who took a back-heel touch from Chris Wondolowski and buried it to give the Earthquakes a 1-0 advantage.

Real Salt Lake answered just six minutes later, though, as the Earthquakes could not a clear a free kick sent into the area, and Justen Glad poked it off the cross and in off goaltender David Bingham’s back.

But Bingham did well to keep the game even and, later, seal the win. He made big save after big save, stopping point-blank opportunities in a duel with Rimando, showing why both goaltenders were recently called upon to play for the U.S. National Team.

With three games left to play, the Earthquakes sit four points behind Seattle for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Their next opponent is Colorado on the road Oct. 13.