Santa Clara, CA – Chris Wondolowski scored his third career Major League Soccer hat trick to help the San Jose Earthquakes rout Real Salt Lake in a 5-0 win at Buck Shaw Stadium on Saturday.
Wondolowski is enjoying another banner season, leading the league in scoring with 17 goals this term. He scored 16 goals all of last season.
Alan Gordon and Simon Dawkins also chipped in with a goal apiece, lifting San Jose (12-4-4) to an MLS-best 40 points through 20 games. The club enjoys a four-point lead over Real Salt Lake (11-7-3), which has claimed just one win in its last six games.
The Earthquakes had the better of play in the opening half and grabbed a goal for their efforts in the 18th minute.
Gordon's header off of a corner was flicked on by Justin Morrow and an unmarked Wondolowski punched the loose ball into the back of the net from close range.
San Jose doubled the lead in the 63rd minute from another set piece as a delivery from Marvin Chavez was nodded onto the post. Gordon was following up, eluding his mark to tuck the ball into the empty net.
The 'Quakes put the match beyond doubt, grabbing three goals in the span of eight minutes.
Wondolowski poked a low cross from Shea Salinas past Nick Rimando in the 72nd minute and then turned provider in the 79th minute by setting up Dawkins with an easy finish in front of goal.
San Jose's leading scorer completed his hat trick 10 minutes from time, collecting a nifty pass from Khari Stephenson and sliding a shot past Rimando.
The 'Quakes return to action Wednesday with a home match against FC Dallas, while Salt Lake is off until July 21 when it hosts the Colorado Rapids.
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