RSL beats Earthquakes 5-3 on penalty kicks following 3-3 tie in US Open Cup qualifier

RSL beats Earthquakes in US Open Cup qualifier

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Nat Borchers scored for Real Salt Lake in the 118th minute, and the visitors beat the San Jose Earthquakes 5-3 on penalty kicks following a 3-3 tie Wednesday night in U.S. Open Cup qualifying.

Will Johnson, Kyle Beckerman, Robbie Findley, Robbie Russell and Andy Williams all converted penalty kicks for RSL.

Joey Gjertsen, Brandon McDonald and Ramon Sanchez converted for San Jose, but Arturo Alvarez’s miss proved decisive.

Real Salt Lake will face either FC Dallas or D.C. United next month, with the winner of that match earning a berth in the full U.S. Open Cup field. The MLS is allowed eight spots in the 40-team tournament.

Real Salt Lake built a 2-0 lead on goals by Robbie Findley in the seventh minute and Nelson Gonzalez in the 60th, but San Jose tied it when Chris Leitch scored in the 68th and Arturo Alvarez in the 88th. Justin Morrow gave the Earthquakes a 3-2 lead in the 103rd.