Sizzling second-half goal leads Earthquakes past Philadelphia Union

A strike from defender Miguel Trauco in the 57th minute proved to be the difference as the San Jose Earthquakes stayed hot at home with a 2-1 win over the Philadelphia Union on Saturday before an announced crowd of 15,512 at PayPal Park.

Trauco’s go-ahead goal came off an assist from Carlos Gruezo as his shot from outside the penalty area found the upper corner past the body of Union goalkeeper Andre Blake. It was Trauco’s third goal of the season as San Jose ended the Union’s nine-match unbeaten streak.

With the win, the Earthquakes improved to 6-0-2 at home this season. San Jose has a 2-0-2 record in its last four games overall and with 26 points, remains tied for third place in MLS’s Western Conference.

Jeremy Ebobisse scored in the eighth minute off an assist from Cade Cowell to give the Earthquakes (7-5-5) an early lead. Cowell dribbled the ball deep into Philadelphia’s zone before he found a trailing Ebobisse, who one-timed a left-footed shot past Blake for his seventh goal of the season.

Damion Lowe responded for Philadelphia (9-5-3) with a goal in the 17th minute to tie the game, but San Jose goalkeeper Daniel de Sousa Brito made six saves for the Earthquakes, who host Portland on June 17.

Miguel Trauco, MY GOODNESS. pic.twitter.com/VapOlG940x

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 11, 2023

San Jose was attempting to shut out a third straight opponent for the first time since a four-match run in 2015. The Earthquakes were coming off a scoreless draw with the Colorado Rapids and a 1-0 road win over the Seattle Sounders. It marked the first time the club notched back-to-back clean sheets since 2020.

The Union is now 3-4-1 in road games.

Cristian Espinoza didn’t have a point Saturday but still has eight of the Earthquakes’ 21 goals this season.