San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Matias Perez Garcia, lower right, celebrates after scoring a goal against Real Salt Lake during the second half of an MLS soccer match Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015, in San Jose, Calif. San Jose won 1-0. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
The Associated Press
SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) - Matias Perez Garcia scored in the 87th minute to give the San Jose Earthquakes a 1-0 victory over Real Salt Lake on Sunday, a result they desperately needed to keep their playoff hopes alive.
San Jose (12-12-7, 43 points) closed within a point of Portland for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Earthquakes have three games left, and Portland has four to go.
Real Salt Lake (10-11-8, 38) remained six points behind the Timbers with four games remaining.
Garcia approached a ball that Quincy Amarikwa headed back to him outside the box and he launched a left-footed shot that deflected of a Salt Lake defender into the bottom right corner.
Garcia ripped off his jersey in celebration and was rewarded with his second yellow card, forcing the Quakes to play a man down through the end that included four minutes of stoppage time.
San Jose dominated with a 20-6 shots advantage.
San Jose Earthquakes goalkeeper David Bingham (1) blocks a goal attempt by Real Salt Lake forward Jou Plata, left, during the second half of an MLS soccer match Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015, in San Jose, Calif. San Jose won 1-0. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
The Associated Press
San Jose Earthquakes' Anibal Godoy, left, collides with Real Salt Lake forward Jou Plata (8) during the second half of an MLS soccer match, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015, in San Jose, Calif. San Jose won 1-0. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
The Associated Press
San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Shea Salinas, left, and Real Salt Lake forward Devon Sandoval (49) battle for the ball during the second half of an MLS soccer match Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015, in San Jose, Calif. San Jose won 1-0. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
The Associated Press
Real Salt Lake midfielder Luis Silva, right, takes the ball away from San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Matias Perez Garcia (10) during the second half of an MLS soccer match, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015, in San Jose, Calif. San Jose won 1-0. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
The Associated Press
San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Shea Salinas, right, and Real Salt Lake forward Olmes Garcia (13) chase the ball during the second half of an MLS soccer match Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015, in San Jose, Calif. San Jose won 1-0. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
The Associated Press
Real Salt Lake defender Tony Beltran goes up for a header in front of San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Matias Perez Garcia (10) during the first half of an MLS soccer match Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015, in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
The Associated Press
San Jose Earthquakes forward Chris Wondolowski argues a call by the referee during the first half against Real Salt Lake in an MLS soccer match Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015, in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
The Associated Press
San Jose Earthquakes forward Quincy Amarikwa (25) moves the ball past Real Salt Lake defender Tony Beltran, left, and Aaron Maund (21) during the first half of an MLS soccer match Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015, in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
The Associated Press