RSL forward Robbie Findley back on track

RSL • Finally healthy again, forward shines against Earthquakes.

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Sandy • Forward Robbie Findley is healthy again.

It showed Saturday night at Rio Tinto Stadium.

Findley had a goal and an assist during a five-minute span of the first half, helping Real Salt Lake to a 3-0 victory over San Jose.

Findley played in only eight of RSL's first 14 games this season after suffering a groin injury and a bone bruise on his knee. But coach Jason Kreis said he played "his best game of the season" against San Jose.

Findley didn't argue after Real Salt Lake jumped to a three-goal lead and watched goalkeeper Nick Rimando thwart San Jose's attempt at a second-half comeback.

"I felt good out there," Findley said. "... As a whole, we did well in the first half and we weathered the storm in the second. Nicky made some good saves and we'll move forward from here."

After Javier Morales gave RSL a 1-0 lead in the 16th minute, Findley went to work.

In the 33rd minute, he attacked the right flank of the San Jose defense. From a difficult angle just inside the box, he fired a low rocket on goal.

Earthquake keeper Jon Busch was able to make the save, but the rebound bounced directly to Ned Grabavoy, who fired into the open net.

"The whole game, we attacked at the right time," Findley said. "We were patient and it opened up some things for us and we were able to score some goals."

Five minutes later, Findley gave Real Salt Lake a 3-0 lead. The sequence began when Grabavoy pushed the ball forward as he was being knocked down. Referee Silviu Petrescu could have called the obvious foul, but he allowed RSL to continue its attack.

Busch stopped RSL's first shot but was betrayed by his back line. A clearing attempt went to Findley, who hooked a low drive just inside the far post.

"The ball popped out to me," Findley said. "The defenders cleared it right to me. I had my mind set to take a touch and make sure it was a good one. I hit it and — good thing — it went in."