San Jose Earthquakes made a blistering start and never surrendered control, beating Portland Timbers 3-1 in Major League Soccer Western Conference action at PayPal Park on Saturday night.
Preston Judd set the tone almost immediately, rising to head San Jose in front in the 4th minute. The early goal gave the hosts a platform to play with confidence, even as Portland saw more of the ball over the course of the match.
The Earthquakes doubled their advantage in the 24th minute through Eduard Löwen, before Judd completed his brace five minutes later in the 29th minute. San Jose’s ruthless opening half left the Timbers with a mountain to climb, with the home side taking a 3-0 lead into the interval.
Portland responded with greater urgency after the restart and finished with 54 percent possession, nine corners and 18 shots. But San Jose remained more clinical in the decisive areas, putting eight of their 13 attempts on target compared with Portland’s six from 18.
David Da Costa gave the Timbers a late consolation in the 86th minute, but there was no dramatic comeback to follow. The Earthquakes saw out the closing stages to secure a convincing three points, with Judd’s early header and second-half-defying first-half double proving the difference.
San Jose next host Colorado Rapids on Saturday, October 10, while Portland return home to face Sporting Kansas City later that day.
Goals
- San Jose Earthquakes: Preston Judd 4′, 29′; Eduard Löwen 24′
- Portland Timbers: David Da Costa 86′
